Andy Ruiz Jr. returns Sept. 4 against Damian Knyba in Newark

Former heavyweight champion Andy Ruiz Jr. will return to the ring Sept. 4 against Damian Knyba at Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey, per an announcement from Matchroom Boxing on Tuesday.

The bout marks Ruiz's promotional debut with Eddie Hearn's outfit after years fighting under different banners. Ruiz, who stunned Anthony Joshua to capture three heavyweight titles in 2019, has not fought since a decision loss to Luis Ortiz last September.

Knyba brings unbeaten record to Newark showdown

Knyba enters the matchup with an unblemished professional record. The Polish heavyweight has built his résumé primarily in Europe and will face the stiffest test of his career against the Mexican-American fighter.

Ruiz has dropped three of his last five fights, including a lopsided decision defeat to Joseph Parker in late 2021. The Newark date gives him a chance to relaunch his campaign in front of an East Coast crowd before any larger heavyweight sweepstakes materialize later in the year.

Reported via:

• ESPN Boxing — Ex-champ Ruiz set to face Knyba Sept. 4 in NJ