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Julius Ballo, backed by Top Rank, in store for big plans
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Julius Ballo, backed by Top Rank, in store for big plans
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44 mins ago
44 mins ago
3 min read
Julius Ballo has several intangibles working in his favor that should allow him to better fulfill his promise.
The featherweight prospect has tremendous amateur pedigree, a promotional pact with Top Rank, and a managerial deal with James Prince. Ballo is also backed by PR and communications guru Julie Goldsticker, who's guided the careers of Andre Ward, Terence Crawford and Shakur Stevenson, among others.
Ballo also has a strong social media following, considering his fledgling career. And perhaps the biggest X-factor in Ballo evolving into a star is that the Chaldean combatant has a nation of people standing behind him, supporting him every step of the way.
But most importantly, "JuJu" Ballo (3-0) appears to have the skillset required to reach his potential, and he'll get another shot at proving his ceiling on Saturday when he takes on Julian Gomez-Clemons (2-1, 2 KOs) in a six-round fight.
The matchup will take place at Fox Theater in Detroit, Michigan, home to the largest Chaldean community in the United States. The card will be presented by Salita Promotions on the Wynn Records Network website, and the event will also feature Ballo's first cousin, lightweight prospect Jonny Mansour (7-0-1, 2 KOs). The main event is a heavyweight fight between Brandon Moore (19-1, 10 KOs) and former world title challenger Bryant Jennings (27-4, 15 KOs).
"I have a phenomenal team behind me," Ballo told The Ring. "I've worked really hard to be in this position. This was earned, not given. I'm blessed to be surrounded by winners, and that's what we will continue to do – win.
"It's been amazing for our families and Chaldean fans to catch both Jonny and myself, together in our journeys, as unstoppable powerhouses. It won't be like this much longer with us continuing to fight on the same shows together, so I hope they enjoy it as much as they can. We're going to give them a night they won't forget."
Ballo, a 23-year-old from San Diego, turned pro in July 2025 on Top Rank's last show as part of their ESPN deal and has been developing outside of the Top Rank ecosystem ever since, away from the big screens, all while being a ticket-seller attracting the Chaldean community. But now that Top Rank is tied to DAZN, Ballo anticipates increased exposure and activity across notable events.
"I spoke with Top Rank recently. So far, we're moving at a little bit of a slower pace than we'd like," Ballo said. "But Top Rank knows what they're doing. After this fight, they have plans to make me very active and be a part of the DAZN fight nights. We'll be busier after this fight, and you will see more of the JuJu show.
"I will be ready whenever they tell me. I have a lot of experience with over 200 amateur fights and representing Team USA and winning a Pan American Games gold medal. The skills and experience are there, and I believe my team will guide me toward a world championship. I look forward to climbing the rankings and being in position for a featherweight world title."
Ballo also emphasized that he has grandiose goals to become a five-division champion one day.
But before all the belts and fanfare, Ballo wants to ensure that he's checking off another big box in his fight on Saturday – scoring his first career stoppage win.
"It's going to be a domino effect after I get my first knockout. I'm promising fireworks on Saturday," Ballo said.
"Top Rank has been treating me well, so hopefully I'm positioned to be a world champion by 2028. I am on the right trajectory in my professional career."
Manouk Akopyan is The Ring’s lead writer. Follow him on X and Instagram: @ManoukAkopyan.
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