Although his 2019 upset win over Anthony Joshua turned him into a star and the first Mexican heavyweight champion, he knows that he never fully capitalized on that moment.

Ruiz lost the immediate rematch, along with his IBF, WBA and WBO titles, and has spent most of his time on the sidelines, fighting just three times since then.

Now, after signing a promotional deal with Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing, he’ll officially return to the ring September 4 against Damian Knyba at Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey.

The goal is simple for Ruiz: Pick up more wins and add a few more titles to his trophy case.

“I still need to do things that I said I was gonna do. I want that Ring belt and WBC belt,” Ruiz said on the Mr. Verzace Podcast. “I want to become a two-time heavyweight champion so I’m gonna die trying.”

Luckily for Ruiz (35-2-1, 22 KOs), Hearn shares his same vision. The longtime promoter recently stated that the Imperial, California, native has what it takes to rise to the top of the division again.

First things first, though. Hearn wants Ruiz, who’s coming off hand surgery and a 2024 majority decision draw against Jarrell Miller, to take care of business against Knyba and then possibly another step-up fight. From there, Hearn wants to put him in with some of the division’s best, including Agit Kabayel., The Ring’s No. 2 contender and WBC beltholder.

For Ruiz, this run is personal. He’s well aware that he has more to do and is more determined than ever to make everyone, including himself, proud.

“I owe it to me,” he said. “I owe it to my fans in Mexico, I owe it to my family, and especially to God to continue that mission.”