Eddie Hearn isn’t easing Andy Ruiz Jr. back into the heavyweight conversation. Before Ruiz has thrown a punch in his comeback, the Matchroom promoter is already predicting the former unified champion would defeat Daniel Dubois, Agit Kabayel and several of the division’s other leading heavyweights.
Ruiz returns on September 4 against Damian Knyba in Newark, New Jersey in his first fight since recently signing a multi-fight promotional deal with Matchroom Boxing. The bout ends a layoff of more than two years, but Hearn said he was struck by Ruiz’s condition when they met in Egypt, describing him as “literally half the man he was” physically.
“I think he’s gonna be a massive threat to the division,” Hearn told iFL TV. “He’s got a massive fanbase, he’s a huge name, he’s a very, very good fighter, and we all know with Andy Ruiz, he’s serious. When I look at the heavyweight division right now, you look at the champions, [Murat] Gassiev, WBA, beats him.
“I also think he beats Daniel Dubois and Fabio Wardley. I believe he can beat Agit Kabayel. Don’t get me wrong, he hasn’t boxed for two years and he’ll have his comeback fight in early September, but I believe he beats those guys.”
Hearn acknowledged Ruiz’s inactivity but believes there are reasons for it. He said Ruiz dealt with personal problems, broke his thumb during his majority draw with Jarrell Miller and has now reunited with trainer Manny Robles, who guided him to his upset victory over Anthony Joshua in 2019. Hearn also admitted he felt Miller deserved the decision in that fight.
The September 4 bout with Knyba should provide a better indication of what Ruiz has left. Knyba was stopped in three rounds by Kabayel earlier this year, making the matchup a useful measuring stick if Ruiz hopes to move quickly into another title opportunity. Hearn even revealed he has already discussed potential future fights involving Ruiz against Dubois and unbeaten contender Moses Itauma if the comeback goes as planned.
Hearn believes the 36-year-old still possesses the qualities that made him one of boxing’s most dangerous heavyweights.
“I’ve always liked him. I think he’s a great guy, but he’s struggled with consistency. But what I see right now, looking in his eyes, is someone who wants it bad,” said Hearn. “At the moment, it’s talk isn’t it? He’s got to prove himself in September that he’s still a great fighter. But he’s got a great chin, he’s got fast hands, he can whack, and he’s got good IQ. He’s a serious fighter.”
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Last Updated on 2026/07/15 at 7:44 PM
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