Local Sports Report: San Diego’s Julius Ballo to make pro debut; UCSD sets roster

San Diego’s Julius Ballo put together one of the most impressive amateur careers in the recent history of USA Boxing.

On Saturday night at The Theater at Madison Square Garden, the 22-year-old East County native will make his professional debut in a four-round lightweight bout against 19-year-old Brandan Ayala (2-0, 1 KO).

The fight is part of the undercard before Xander Zagas takes on Jorge Garica in a WBO junior middleweight title fight. The main card will air on ESPN, while the undercard will be streamed on ESPN+.

Ballo trains out of El Cajon’s Bomber Squad Academy, where he has been guided by longtime coach Berlin Kerney. He turned pro in January following a spectacular amateur run that saw him win the 2021 Pan American Games, the 2022 Boxing Elite National Championships and a National Gold Gloves title while compiling a 51-8 amateur record.

The move to the professional ranks is a natural progression for someone who started boxing at age 3 while working with his father, former amateur fighter Yasir Ballo. The younger Ballo won his first sanctioned fight at 8 and captured his first title at 17.

“I’ve been preparing for this my entire life,” Ballo said. “It’s a dream I’ve had since I was a kid and I’ve been fortunate to be supported by my family, my coach and so many great people around me. It was time to make the jump and show people what I can do.”

Ballo was initially scheduled to make his pro debut in March in San Diego but suffered a hand injury during training. The fight was postponed. Ballo says the hand is fully healed.

Ballo has signed a co-promotional contract with Top Rank and OTX. Ballo’s hope is that the deal will lead to increased flexibility and leverage for negotiating matchups and prize money as his professional career develops.

“I like the pressure that comes with it,” Ballo said. “Without pressure, you probably aren’t doing anything with your life. If you prepare the right way, the moment won’t be too big for you. So, I look forward to the challenge and everything that comes next.”

UCSD sets roster

UC San Diego’s 2025-26 roster will feature a new coach, Clint Allard, and an almost entirely new roster.

The Tritons have eight incoming transfers and two freshmen. Just one returnee played significant minutes for the UCSD tram that went 30-5, won the Big West title and played in the NCAA Tournament: junior guard Aidan Burke. Burke averaged 4.1 points per game last season.

Strike Force close regular season

Losers of two straight, the San Diego Strike Force will close the regular season Sunday night against the Arizona Rattlers. Kickoff at Frontwave Arena is scheduled for 6:05 p.m.

The Strike Force (9-6) have already qualified for the IFL playoffs. A win over Arizona (10-5) could move them into the No. 3 seed and lock in a home playoff game.

The Strike Force lost 46-43 at Arizona on July 12.