Andy Ruiz Loses After Publicly Calling Out Filip Hrgović

Andy Ruiz Jr. had publicly expressed interest in fighting Filip Hrgović. Instead, the former heavyweight world champion left the ring in New Jersey with a unanimous-decision loss to Poland’s Damian Knyba.

Ruiz lost the 12-round bout at Prudential Center by scores of 117-110, 114-113 and 114-113. Before the fight, he said he wanted to face Hrgović and believed his style suited that matchup. He explained that this was why they had chosen a large opponent in Knyba, who stands 13 centimeters taller.

The turning point came in the seventh round. In the final minute, Knyba connected with a right-left combination that made Ruiz’s legs give way. Ruiz could not defend himself or tie up his opponent, and Knyba followed with a heavy attack that sent him to the canvas.

Ruiz tried to respond in the eighth and ninth rounds, but Knyba regained control and completed the fight without major difficulty. After 12 rounds, the Polish boxer secured the unanimous decision.

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I would like to fight Hrgović. I think his style suits me perfectly. That is why we chose a big, huge opponent.