Damian Knyba 18–1 (11 KOs) is a Polish heavyweight from Bydgoszcz whose career has developed on both sides of the Atlantic. His height and long reach provide a natural foundation for boxing at distance.
Decision wins over Helaman Olguin and Michael Polite Coffie in 2023 were followed by a stoppage of Richard Lartey. In 2025, he beat Andrzej Wawrzyk, Marcin Siwy and Joey Dawejko, earning a much tougher assignment.
Agit Kabayel stopped Knyba in round three of their WBC interim-title fight in Oberhausen on January 10, 2026. Knyba began promisingly but could not contain Kabayel’s increasing pressure.
He returned against former unified champion Andy Ruiz Jr. in Newark on September 4. Knyba won a twelve-round unanimous decision, with scores of 117–110, 114–113 and 114–113.
The Ruiz victory was an important response to his first defeat. No next fight has been confirmed.
DAZN highlights of Knyba’s twelve-round unanimous-decision victory over Ruiz in Newark on September 4, 2026.
Top Heavyweight Boxing covers the past, present and future of boxing's premier division. Copyright© 2026
Powered by Digital Dynasty Design