Former heavyweight champion Andy Ruiz returns to the ring on Friday night at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey to take on Poland’s Damian Knyba. Some believe Knyba has more than a slim chance of pulling off the upset and ruining Ruiz’s return to the ring. Here’s everything you need to know about the event. Let’s talk boxing.

Ruiz signed with Matchroom Boxing this year and this is his first fight under that contract. It headlines the third edition of The Fight, a monthly series from TNT Sports and DAZN, and it is Matchroom’s first card at the Prudential Center . Knyba stands 6-foot-7 with an 86-inch reach and turns up at this building for the fourth time. He is 30. Ruiz is 36 and turns 37 a week after the fight.

The layoff could be a huge factor for Ruiz. He hasn’t fought in more than two years. His last fight was a majority draw with fellow American Jarrell Miller in August 2024. For Knyba, the question is competition level. He took a major step up in his last fight and it didn’t end well. Knyba was stopped by WBC champion, Agit Kabayel . Because of that loss, Knyba is in a must-win situation or he could be facing a relegation in status.

Still, Knyba’s length and youth could be Ruiz’s undoing. At his best, Ruiz has arguably the fastest hands in the heavyweight division. We’ll find out on Friday if he’s in top form and good enough to stave off a hungry Knyba.

Ruiz vs. Knyba Start Time and Ring Walks

One outlet lists the main card starting earlier, at 7:30 p.m. ET. No official ring-walk time has been announced, and the two published estimates are roughly 45 minutes apart, so the range above is the honest answer. Ring walks always move with the length of the undercard.

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Eight bouts, per Tapology .