Damian Knyba wasn’t the first opponent that Matchroom Boxing approached for Andy Ruiz Jr’s comeback fight.Eddie Hearn and Co. initially looked to match Ruiz Jr against Knyba’s friend and training partner Piotr Lacz.Lacz (left) is a training partner and stablemate of Ruiz Jr’s next opponent, Knyba (right)instagram @piotrekl98However, as Lacz explains during an interview with RingPolska, the New Jersey State Athletic Commission rejected the fight as they deemed him too inexperienced to face a former world champion.The offer was then presented to Knyba, who is represented by the same management.And a deal was struck for September 4 in Newark, New Jersey. “I received the first proposals for [the fight with Ruiz Jr],” said Lacz in a Polish-language interview, which has since been translated here.“My manager, Lukasz Kownacki, handled it. “I said yes to the fight because I am not afraid of such challenges.“I look death in the eyes, and I am prepared to die in a fight.“I dedicate my life to this sport. I am waiting for such fights; it is my dream.“However, the problem is that I didn’t have 10 rounds on my record.“Lukasz tried to fight for it, but we found that it is simply impossible.”View Tweet: https://t.co/gSm7pbc1o7Ruiz Jr faces Knyba on September 4 in Newark, New Jersey, although he was initially supposed to face LaczWho is ‘The Polish Mike Tyson’ Piotr Lacz?Hailing from Bielsko-Biala, Lacz boasts a 15-0-1 professional record. His heavy hands, relentless pressure fighting and stocky 5ft 11in frame have led to him being dubbed ‘The Polish Mike Tyson‘ by local media outlets.His one-punch knockout power was on full display last June when he flattened amateur standout Marko Milun to progress to the quarterfinals of the WBC Heavyweight Grand Prix. He met eventual winner Kevin Cristopher Ramirez in the next round, and while the bout was officially declared a split draw, the WBC Executive Panel awarded the bout to Ramirez by a margin of 4-1.Lacz returned to winning ways in February, dispatching Dominique Valera inside the opening stanza in New York.He had been due to box Daniel Dietz in May, but the fight collapsed.Watch Boxing on DAZN*If you click a link in this boxout, we will earn affiliate revenueSign up to DAZN to access the definitive subscription for boxing fans.Upgrade to DAZN Ultimate from just £24.99/month, guaranteeing access to 185+ fights annually, a minimum of 12 pay-per-views at no extra cost, as well as every Lega Serie A match and other elite football access.Alternatively, DAZN Standard is just £15.99/month, with the caveat you will have to pay for pay-per-view events.Click here to sign up.