Julius Ballo, 1-0 (0 KOs), has his second professional bout on Saturday, when he faces Darel Harris in a six-rounder with a contracted weight of 132lbs at Ace Mission Studios in Los Angeles. 

The card is headlined by a rematch between WBC cruiserweight titleholder Badou Jack and Noel Mikaelyan.

As for what the 22-year-old Ballo expects of himself?

“Leveling up as a fighter, and just getting sharper round by round,” Ballo said. “I want to showcase my skills and look good while I am doing it.”

Ballo, a 15-time national champion, used to enter USA Boxing national tournaments and would face the best in the nation. Now Ballo will face a veteran journeyman who is looking to get bigger opportunities with a win or even by making it to the final bell with him. 

Harris, of Sarasota, Florida, will be the first unconventional opponent Ballo has faced. In his pro debut, Ballo fought unbeaten Brandan Ayala at Madison Square Garden in New York City. 

“If they are awkward, you have to stay tight and break them to the body,” Ballo said. “They will slow down as the rounds go.”

Then there is the theme of the show. It is the second “Championing Mental Health” event in Los Angeles. Ballo didn’t fight on the first card, but his cousin, Jonny Mansour, who also fights on this card, headlined the initial “Championing Mental Health” event in May. 

“The sport doesn’t talk about mental health that much,” Ballo said. “I think it is a great cause championing mental health.”

Ballo has a strong support system in place to help him. Even though he doesn’t directly battle mental health challenges, his goal to be a top fighter has him face psychological hurdles daily. 

“Every day I battle something mentally, pushing myself in the gym, staying disciplined, it is a battle every day,” Ballo said. “That is what makes a great fighter. It isn’t going to be an easy day every day.” 

Harris, 21-24-2 (16 KOs), is a 36-year-old who has fought as high as  welterweight, where he got stopped by Joel Iriarte, and as light as  featherweight. Harris notably took up-and-coming junior welterweight Anthony Cuba the distance, losing a unanimous decision. 

Ballo, of San Diego, California, will be fighting on the West Coast as a pro for the first time in his career. 

“Tune in,” Ballo said. “You don’t want to miss this.”