What time is the Andy Ruiz vs. Damian Knyba fight tonight? Start time, all time zones and full card

Andy Ruiz Jr. is back in action this Friday, September 4, when he takes on Damian Knyba at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey. The former unified heavyweight champion returns after more than two years away from the ring, while the unbeaten Polish contender steps into the biggest fight of his career.

The matchup headlines a four-fight card and represents the first bout of a new chapter for Ruiz under Matchroom Boxing. For fans following the event around the world, here is the complete schedule, including the main-card start time, estimated ringwalks, viewing options and full fight card.

What time is the Andy Ruiz vs. Damian Knyba fight tonight?

The main card starts at 8:00 p.m. ET on Friday, September 4 in the United States. The preliminary action is scheduled to begin at 5:00 p.m. ET.

The Ruiz vs. Knyba main event is expected to begin later in the evening, with the ringwalks projected for approximately 10:45-11:00 p.m. ET. The exact time will depend on how long the preceding fights last.

For viewers in Mexico, the main card starts at 6:00 p.m., with the main event expected around 8:45-9:00 p.m. In Peru, Colombia and Ecuador, the card begins at 7:00 p.m., putting the estimated Ruiz-Knyba start at 9:45-10:00 p.m.

In Spain, the event begins at 2:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 5, with the main event expected between 4:45 and 5:00 a.m.

The times in this table correspond to the start of the main card, not the Ruiz-Knyba fight itself. Since the heavyweight showdown closes the program, its start time remains an estimate.

When are the Andy Ruiz vs. Damian Knyba ringwalks?

The two heavyweights are expected to make their ringwalks between 10:45 and 11:00 p.m. ET in Newark.

That window translates to approximately 8:45-9:00 p.m. in Mexico, 9:45-10:00 p.m. in Peru, Colombia and Ecuador, and 11:45 p.m. to midnight in Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Paraguay and Uruguay.

For fans watching from Asia, the fight will take place on Saturday morning. The estimated ringwalk window is around 7:45-8:00 a.m. in Thailand, 8:45-9:00 a.m. in Singapore, Malaysia and the Philippines, and 9:45-10:00 a.m. in Japan.

How to watch Andy Ruiz vs. Damian Knyba tonight

In the United States, the event will be available on TNT, truTV and DAZN. TNT Sports and DAZN are presenting the boxing event from Newark, with coverage beginning before the main card.

In Mexico, the fight will be available through DAZN. Across Latin America, ESPN lists its networks and Disney+ Premium among the available options, with DAZN also carrying the event in international markets.

In Spain, DAZN will broadcast the card, with coverage beginning at 2:00 a.m. Saturday, September 5.

The availability of specific ESPN channels and streaming services can vary by territory, so viewers should check their local provider before the event.

Andy Ruiz vs. Damian Knyba full fight card

The Newark event features four announced fights:

Ruiz vs. Knyba is the night’s main event and is scheduled for 12 rounds in the heavyweight division.

Andy Ruiz Jr. returns after more than two years away

Ruiz enters the fight with a 35-2-1 record and 22 knockouts. The 36-year-old’s last appearance came in August 2024 against Jarrell Miller, a majority-decision draw that extended a period of limited activity for the former champion.

His return has generated considerable attention, not only because of the length of his layoff but also because of his physical transformation. Ruiz weighed 254.3 pounds ahead of the matchup.

The fight also begins a new phase of his career with Matchroom Boxing. Ruiz has already experienced the highest level of the heavyweight division, most notably in 2019 when he defeated Anthony Joshua to become a unified world champion.

His career since that breakthrough has included setbacks, inactivity and another loss to Joshua. The matchup with Knyba therefore carries significance beyond a single night: it should provide a clearer indication of whether Ruiz can mount another serious run in the heavyweight division.

Damian Knyba brings size and an unbeaten record

Knyba arrives in Newark with a 17-0 professional record, including 11 knockouts. At 30 years old, the Polish heavyweight is younger than Ruiz and possesses a substantial physical advantage.

Knyba stands 6-foot-7 with an 86-inch reach, compared with Ruiz’s 6-foot-2 height and 74-inch reach.

The difference is particularly notable in reach. Knyba owns a 12-inch advantage, giving him the tools to dictate distance if he can consistently keep Ruiz on the end of his punches.

For Ruiz, closing that gap will be essential. His best work has traditionally come when he can operate at closer range, put combinations together and use his fast hands to force opponents into exchanges.

Andy Ruiz vs. Damian Knyba tale of the tape

Andy Ruiz vs. Damian Knyba prediction

The matchup presents two very different paths to victory.

Ruiz has the deeper résumé and considerably more experience against elite opposition. His hand speed, combination punching and proven power make him a dangerous opponent even after a lengthy absence.

Knyba’s advantages are more obvious on the physical side. The six-inch height difference and 12-inch reach gap could allow him to control the distance and force Ruiz to work his way inside.

The major question surrounding the former champion is ring rust. More than two years without a professional fight can affect timing, conditioning and reactions, particularly against a younger opponent who has remained active.

If Ruiz can close the distance and turn the bout into a series of exchanges, his experience and speed could become decisive. If Knyba maintains range, uses his reach effectively and avoids prolonged exchanges, the Polish heavyweight has a realistic opportunity to produce the upset.

Who is the favorite: Andy Ruiz or Damian Knyba?

Ruiz is the clear betting favorite heading into Friday’s main event.

The listed odds are:

The market favors Ruiz, reflecting his championship pedigree and experience. Knyba, however, enters unbeaten and with a considerable size advantage, making this a more intriguing matchup than the records alone might suggest.

For Ruiz, a convincing victory would immediately strengthen the case for another run at the top of the heavyweight division. For Knyba, defeating a former unified champion would be the defining result of his career to date.

Andy Ruiz vs. Damian Knyba: key fight information

The return of Andy Ruiz Jr. comes with plenty at stake. The former champion is looking to show that his time away from boxing has not diminished the qualities that once took him to the top of the heavyweight division. Standing across from him is an unbeaten Polish heavyweight with a significant reach advantage and a chance to change the trajectory of his career.

The bell in Newark will determine whether Ruiz can begin this new chapter with a statement win or whether Knyba will turn the comeback fight into the biggest upset of his career.