In a 12-round fight in New York, 36-year-old A. Ruiz had to shake off a significant layer of ring rust. The former IBF, WBA, and WBO heavyweight champion, who last fought in August 2024, struggled from the very beginning.
Polish D. Knyba used his 30.5 cm longer arms and was more active throughout the fight.
In the seventh round, A. Ruiz even went down for a knockdown. After a precise combination of punches, he ended up on the ground, and the referee started the count. However, the American got up, with only 10 seconds left until the end of the round.
The 30-year-old D. Knyba used the remaining time actively, and commentators already said that A. Ruiz was saved only by the bell signaling the end of the round.
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After a tense fight, the winner had to be decided by the judges. The referees made a unanimous decision, and D. Knyba celebrated victory 3:0.
“I used my physical advantages, arm length, and movement,” said D. Knyba after the fight. “Andy is a great fighter, and it was an honor to share the ring with him. I wish him all the best.”
Returning to the path of victory, D. Knyba now wants a rematch against the only opponent who has defeated him in his career – WBC champion Agit Kabayel.
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The WBC later declared A. Kabayel the undisputed heavyweight world champion.
