Andy Ruiz Jr. vs. Damian Knyba press conference quotes and fight prediction

Andy Ruiz Jr. (35-2-1, 22 KOs) will soon face Damian Knyba (17-1, 11 KOs) in a 12-round heavyweight contest.

Their bout headlines a Matchroom Boxing card at the Prudential Center in Newark, NJ. Fight fans in the United States can catch the action live on TNT, truTV, and DAZN. The rest of the world will be able to do so with DAZN.

Both men spoke at a press conference ahead of their Sept. 4 bout. Below is some of what they had to say.

Andy Ruiz Jr. vs. Damian Knyba press conference quotes

Andy Ruiz Jr.

“I’m really excited for this fight, especially with [trainer Manny Robles] and my team, my family, my son with me,” said Ruiz. “I mean, this is the reason why I do this. For my kids and all my loved ones. I’m ready. I’m excited and there is a lot of pressure under this fight because a lot of people are expecting the worst or the best. So I just got to go out there, pray for the best and to get that victory on Friday night.”

“It’s legacy [that brings me back to boxing] man and me proving myself that I am capable of doing everything right and to be champion again. I had all the belts and I lost them all because of my undedication [sic], not being disciplined, and so now that I’m disciplined and I’m dedicated and I’m hungry, I want those belts back. So I want to prove to myself, to all my family and my fans that I am capable of becoming champion again and that’s exactly what we’re hitting.”

“Yes, I got to climb up the ladders once again and I have a tough opponent with Damian. I know he wants to win this fight a lot just like me so that’s what is going to make it an exciting fight. We’re excited. There’s a lot of nerves, there’s a lot of emotional feelings right now so I just want to look good and become victorious on Sept. 4.”

Damian Knyba

“I’m definitely expecting the most hungry and best version of Andy Ruiz,” said Knyba through an interpreter. “I’ve been training my whole life for fights like this so I’m excited. More than ready for the opportunity.”

“I’ve been dreaming and fighting for opportunities like this since I started boxing. I know there’s going to be a ton of Polish people here supporting me and one of my biggest dreams and aspirations is to bring Polish boxing back to Prudential Center on the biggest stage.”

Fight prediction

From Big Fight Weekend’s Ricky Carroll: Ruiz has proven he has the abilities to mix at the highest level. At his best, he possesses exceptional hand speed and excels fighting in the pocket, digging in hurtful hooks and digs.

Despite the rightful criticism of his physique in the past, Ruiz has proven his tough chin. He puts his shots together well, making him a problem for any heavyweight at his best. It remains to be seen just how much Ruiz has left.

Knyba presents a gigantic puzzle for Ruiz to solve. His 86-inch reach helps him control the distance in his fights and stay out of danger. Ruiz will need to breach that lead jab and work effectively inside on Knyba.

Ruiz at his best wins this fight, but the inactivity in recent years can’t have helped him. He looks in better shape recently, and we believe he will have to come through some difficult moments in this fight, but reunited with Manny Robles, we are backing Ruiz to win the fight by unanimous decision.

Full press conference

For the press conference in its entirety, click here or the play button below. Video courtesy of Matchroom Boxing.

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Matchroom Boxing