Andy Ruiz signs a multi-fight promotional deal with Matchroom Boxing, returning to the promoter from his 2019 upset of Anthony Joshua. has officially signed a multi-fight promotional deal with Matchroom Boxing. The agreement, confirmed on July 8, 2026, marks a return to the promoter that oversaw Ruiz’s historic 2019 upset of Anthony Joshua, a night that saw him become the first fighter of Mexican descent to claim heavyweight gold.
After a period of relative inactivity, “The Destroyer” is now positioned for a late-career surge under the Matchroom banner and the DAZN streaming platform.
Andy Ruiz Jr. seeks second world title under Matchroom banner
The 36-year-old Californian is reportedly targeted for a return to action on September 4 in Newark, New Jersey. While match-ups are still in the negotiation phase, reports indicate that Ruiz (35-2-1, 22 KOs) could face Polish heavyweight Damian Knyba.
The potential bout would likely serve as a co-feature or lead attraction alongside a middleweight contest between Vito Mielnicki Jr. and Austin “Ammo” Williams. For Ruiz, the move represents a focused effort to reignite a career that has seen him fight only three times since his 2019 rematch with Joshua.
Ruiz expressed significant confidence in his new promotional home, citing a spiritual and mental renewal as he begins this new chapter. “I’m so happy and thankful for signing with Matchroom and taking another step forward to continue my mission and to become a two-time champion of the world for Mexico,” Ruiz said following the signing.
He noted that he feels stronger both mentally and physically, stating he had to be “broken to be reborn” following personal and professional challenges.
The mission for Ruiz remains focused on the titles he once held. Since losing his belts in Saudi Arabia, he has secured wins over Chris Arreola and Luis Ortiz, followed by a majority draw against Jarrell Miller in August 2024.
Despite the layoff, Ruiz remains adamant that he is better than the current crop of top-tier heavyweights. He is back with trainer Manny Robles for this upcoming camp, aiming to replicate the form that saw him stop Joshua at Madison Square Garden.
Ruiz Jr. has been nearing a comeback for some time, and this deal provides the structural support for a consistent schedule.
Matchroom chairman Eddie Hearn echoed this optimism, noting that a “fully fit and firing” Ruiz is a difficult outing for anyone in the heavyweight division. Hearn believes that if the version of Ruiz that shocked the world in New York returns, there is no hurdle preventing him from becoming a two-time champion.
This sentiment is shared by the fighter’s father and manager, Andy Ruiz Sr., who stated that Matchroom is the best promoter to get his son back to the top of the division.
Evaluating the potential September clash with Damian Knyba
The rumored opponent for the September return, Damian Knyba, brings a physical presence that will test the Californian’s readiness. Knyba, who holds a record of 17-1 with 11 KOs, is coming off a third-round TKO loss to Agit Kabayel in January 2026.
Prior to that setback, the Polish heavyweight had been unbeaten and is currently signed with Top Rank. Reports suggest that talks for the Ruiz-Knyba match are in advanced stages, though no contracts have been signed for the bout as of yet.
Knyba presents what many industry observers consider a reasonable challenge for a fighter shaking off ring rust. Standing at 6 feet 7 inches with an 86-inch reach, the orthodox Pole represents the type of rangy opponent Ruiz has historically navigated with his hand speed and inside work.
A victory in Newark would immediately vault Ruiz back into the conversation for major title opportunities, particularly as the division prepares for a post-Usyk landscape.
Heavyweight landscape and the path to contention
The heavyweight division is currently in a state of transition. While major stars are occupied with high-stakes negotiations, Ruiz is looking to build momentum to ensure he is part of the next cycle of championship bouts.
The long-awaited Fury and Joshua showdown continues to loom over the weight class, but Ruiz believes his attributes allow him to disrupt the current hierarchy. He has stated his desire to reclaim all the belts currently held by his peers, fueled by a self-described “hunger” that he feels is missing from other contenders.
The strategic timing of this signing also benefits Matchroom’s West Coast and Mexican market reach. Ruiz remains a massive draw among Mexican-American fans, and his presence on DAZN provides the platform with significant heavyweight content. If the Newark card is finalized for September 4, it will highlight a busy period for the promotion.
As heavyweights like Torrez Jr. and Frank Sanchez continue to fight for position, the re-entry of an established name like Ruiz adds a volatile element to the divisional rankings.
Analyzing Ruiz’s return to trainer Manny Robles
One of the most telling aspects of this return is Ruiz’s decision to work once again with Manny Robles. The pair famously shared the pinnacle of Ruiz’s career, and their reunion suggests a desire for the discipline and chemistry that characterized his rise.
Robles has been open in the past about the requirements for Ruiz to stay at the elite level, specifically highlighting the need for a consistent training environment and a focused lifestyle outside the ring.
Ruiz acknowledged that his career has featured “start-and-stop” periods, but he claims the current version of himself is more motivated than ever. “I’m better than a lot of these other heavyweights that are out there right now,” Ruiz said, emphasizing that his goal is nothing less than the reclamation of his world titles.
With a multi-fight deal now in place, the path forward appears much clearer for the Imperial, California native than it has in years. The boxing world will be watching in September to see if “The Destroyer” can indeed rediscover the lighting in a bottle he captured seven years ago.
