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Andy Ruiz Wastes His Comeback Against Damian Knyba
Boxing News 24/7 • • general
Key Points:
- Knyba controlled former champion Ruiz with a steady jab and knocked him down in the seventh round, with judges' scores favoring Ruiz narrowly despite his struggles.
- The choice of Knyba as an opponent was intended to prepare Ruiz for a potential fight against Anthony Joshua by testing his ability to handle height and reach, but it backfired by highlighting Ruiz's inability to close distance effectively.
- The fight exposed Ruiz's diminished physical capabilities, including slower movement and reduced responsiveness, undermining his competitiveness at the elite heavyweight level.
- Alternative opponents like Filip Hrgovic and Moses Itauma were considered but would likely pose even greater challenges due to their size, strength, and speed.
- Ruiz's previous speed and agility have declined significantly due to inactivity and age, making it unlikely for promoters to position him as a top contender again.
