The former IBF, WBA, and WBO heavyweight champion has dreams of regaining as champion once again. Naturally, there are naysayers who don’t believe he’ll be able to do so. He's 36 and inactive, fighting just three times since losing his rematch to Anthony Joshua in December 2019, and most believe Ruiz is past his prime.

From Ruiz's point of view, however, his time away from the ring hasn't been a hinderance, but a blessing. Now, he believes he’s ready to get back out there and prove that he’s still among the elite heavyweights after recharging his batteries.

“I know that people are underestimating me just like everybody did my whole life,” Ruiz told Ring’s CEO Rick Reeno on the Mr. Verzace Podcast. “A lot of people are saying ‘he’s too old, he’s washed up, he’s way past his prime.’ But in reality, I haven't taken a lot of punishment. I've just been on my couch with my family, relaxing and waiting for this opportunity to come.”

Ruiz’s first step on his redemption tour takes place Friday September 4 at Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey, against Damian Knyba. The event will be streamed live on DAZN. It will also be shown on television networks TNT and truTV.

For the Californian, sitting on the sidelines may have rejuvenated him, but it’s also kept him out of the mix. Following his majority draw against Jarrell Miller in August 2024, Ruiz (35-2-1, 22 KOs) underwent surgery for a broken right hand. Now that he’s all healed up, he plans on making an example out of Knyba.

As long as everything goes according to plan and Ruiz emerges with his hand raised in victory, he wants to schedule another fight as soon as possible and make another championship run after signing with Eddie Hearn's Matchroom Boxing.

“God willing we win, I want to fight again in December,” Ruiz continued. “I want to finish these fights as fast as I can until I get a title shot. That’s the whole goal, that’s the mission. I have to climb up these ladders and play catch-up. It’s gonna work out.”