Chairman of Matchroom Boxing Eddie Hearn has predicted that Andrés Ponce Ruiz Jr. will reclaim his status as a heavyweight world champion following the former unified king’s official signing of a multi-fight promotional agreement.
The announcement, made on July 8, 2026, marks a pivotal career reset for the Mexican-American heavyweight, who has reunited with trainer Manny Robles in a bid to return to the top of the division after a prolonged period of inactivity and physical recovery.
Andy Ruiz Jr. could be heavyweight champion again, predicts Eddie Hearn
The deal represents an unexpected full-circle moment for Andrés Ponce Ruiz Jr., commonly known as “The Destroyer,” who famously upset Anthony Joshua in 2019 to briefly hold the WBA, IBF, and WBO titles.
After a nearly two-year hiatus following a majority draw against Jarrell Miller in August 2024, the 36-year-old fighter is expected to return to the ring in early September 2026. Eddie Hearn expressed confidence that a focused version of Ruiz Jr. remains a nightmare for any opponent in the current heavyweight landscape.
Eddie Hearn did not mince words when discussing the potential of his newest signing, telling iFL TV that he truly believes Andy Ruiz Jr. will be a heavyweight world champion again.
The promoter emphasized that while the division has shifted, the fundamental talent and hand speed that propelled the fighter to his 2019 victory remain intact. This partnership is a strategic move for Matchroom Boxing as they look to strengthen their roster during a period where Tyson Fury vs Anthony Joshua talks continue to dominate headlines.
The confidence from the Matchroom Chairman stems from a belief that the 36-year-old’s previous struggles were not due to a lack of ability but rather external circumstances and health hurdles.
By providing a stable promotional platform on DAZN and a clear path toward title contention, Hearn hopes to extract the same level of performance seen during that famous night at Madison Square Garden. He noted that the heavyweight market is currently open for explosive contenders who can draw a global audience in high-profile events.
Beyond the general prediction, Hearn specifically named several top-tier heavyweights he believes Ruiz Jr. would defeat in his current form. He listed Agit Kabayel, Daniel Dubois, and Fabio Wardley as opponents the former champion could overcome right now.
He also spoke highly of a potential clash with rising prospect Moses Itauma, suggesting that such a matchup would prove Ruiz Jr.’s standing among the division’s best despite his veteran status.
Reuniting with Manny Robles for a world title charge
A cornerstone of this career reset is the return of trainer Manny Robles to the corner. Robles was the architect of the strategy that saw Ruiz Jr. drop Anthony Joshua four times in their first encounter.
Hearn described the move as “great,” noting that the familiarity between the boxer and the coach could be the catalyst for a more disciplined training camp. This is vital as recent reports suggest Robles presents a challenge for any fighter to reach their peak physical condition.
The fighter himself has been vocal about this new chapter, attributing his previous absence to personal growth and recovery from a fractured hand. After suffering the injury during the Jarrell Miller bout on August 3, 2024, the road back was long. Ruiz Jr.
stated that he believes he is being given a second opportunity to do things correctly, fueled by a mission to once again become a world champion specifically for the people of Mexico.
Consistency has historically been the primary criticism leveled against the former unified champion. Following his loss in the 2019 rematch to Joshua in Saudi Arabia, his appearances were sporadic, including wins over Chris Arreola and Luis Ortiz.
This lack of momentum allowed other heavyweights to leapfrog him in the rankings, making this new multi-fight deal with Matchroom a critical “last chance” scenario for the fighter to solidify his legacy.
Addressing the lengthy layoff and physical recovery
The skepticism surrounding this comeback largely centers on the fact that Ruiz Jr. has only fought four times in the seven years since his initial championship win. A nearly two-year absence since the August 2024 fight against Jarrell Miller is a significant hurdle for an athlete approaching his 37th birthday.
However, Hearn argues the inactivity was essential for the fighter to “sort his stuff out” regarding personal issues and physical health.
During the Miller fight, Ruiz Jr. suffered a fractured right hand, an injury that hampered his performance and led to the lackluster majority draw. Evidence from his current training camp suggests he is now fully fit.
While some critics point to his age, others argue that his style, which relies on counter-punching and short-range hooks, may age better than heavyweights who rely purely on athleticism or expansive footwork.
The promotional team at Matchroom is banking on a “fully fit and firing” version of the fighter. They believe that if the hand speed that stunned the world in 2019 returns, there are few heavyweights who can live with his volume and accuracy.
It is a calculated risk, but one with a massive potential payoff given the fighter’s existing name value and his status as a pioneer for Mexican heavyweights.
The September return and reported talks with Damian Knyba
While the official announcement for the return bout is expected on July 10, 2026, reports indicate that advanced negotiations are underway for a clash with Damian Knyba. The fight is reportedly targeted for September 4, 2026, in Newark, New Jersey.
This matchup would serve as a barometer for Ruiz Jr.’s current level, providing a “real fight” that tests his conditioning and his surgically repaired hand. Fans have been eager for a Ruiz Jr. update on ring return, and this September date seems to provide the answer.
Damian Knyba represents the type of opponent Ruiz Jr. needs to dispatch convincingly to justify Hearn’s lofty predictions. Should he pass this test, the doors open to much larger opportunities, potentially involving the winners of the major belts or high-profile domestic clashes.
Eddie Hearn admitted to telling the fighter that he could be “one of the biggest wastes of talent” if he does not capitalize on this opportunity, to which Ruiz Jr. reportedly promised to be “on it 110%.”
Strategic implications for the Matchroom heavyweight roster
Signing a former unified champion like Andrés Ponce Ruiz Jr. alters the dynamic within Hearn’s promotional stable. Matchroom currently navigates a complex heavyweight landscape where contenders such as those involved in the Gualtieri-Jones IBF eliminator are looking for their own breakthroughs. Adding “The Destroyer” provides a genuine title threat that can be utilized in various cross-promotional events on DAZN.
The heavyweight division has seen a surge in activity, particularly with international investment driving major events. By securing this multi-fight deal, Matchroom ensures they have a major player who can be slotted into championship-level events should current titleholders require a voluntary defense or a mandatory challenger with commercial appeal. This signing also places Ruiz Jr.
in the same conversation as other Matchroom heavyweights, potentially setting up future internal clashes.
Ultimately, the upcoming September bout will dictate the validity of this entire promotional campaign. A dominant performance reinstates the fighter as a top heavyweight and a legitimate threat to whoever holds the belts.
A struggle, or another draw reminiscent of the Miller fight, likely ends the conversation regarding a world title run and shifts Ruiz Jr. into the role of a high-name-value opponent for rising stars intended to build their resumes.
Mexico’s quest for a two-time heavyweight king
The cultural significance of this comeback is a primary driver for the fighter. Being the first-ever Mexican heavyweight champion was a historic achievement that resonates deeply within the boxing community. The quest to be the first two-time champion of Mexican descent provides an emotional motivation that was arguably missing in the years immediately following his windfall in 2019.
Andy Ruiz Sr., who manages his son, has been clear that Matchroom Boxing was chosen specifically because they are viewed as the most capable organization to navigate this difficult path. The collaboration between the Ruiz family and the British promotional powerhouse suggests a level of professional alignment that wasn’t always present during the fighter’s previous stints with other management groups.
As the boxing world awaits the official fight announcement on July 10, the focus remains on the transformation of “The Destroyer.” Whether he can indeed navigate the career reset and move past the likes of Agit Kabayel or Daniel Dubois remains to be seen.
If Eddie Hearn is correct, the heavyweight division is about to get more competitive as one of its most enigmatic characters attempts to recapture former glory.
- Full Name: Andrés Ponce Ruiz Jr.
- Professional Record: 35-2-1 (22 KOs)
- Former Titles: Unified WBA (Super), IBF, WBO, and IBO Heavyweight
- Upcoming Fight Date (Reported): September 4, 2026
- Promotional Anchor: Matchroom Boxing / DAZN
