Boxer opens gym after heart attack ended career

A former gold medallist whose professional boxing career ended following a heart attack when he was in his early 20s is opening a specialist health club in Kent.

Karol Itauma made his name after winning the light-heavyweight division at the Youth Olympics in 2018.

However, after having a heart attack in August 2024 doctors warned him that continuing the sport could be fatal.

"I tried to hide it as much as I could," Itauma recalled. "I had two choices, I could fall into depression or pivot and look for a new purpose."

Because of his brother Moses' success in professional boxing, Itauma said this had motivated him to carry on being involved in the world of sport and fitness.

Working with Moses, the unbeaten featherweight Frankie Wood and Ipswich Town midfielder Anis Mehmeti, they opened Club Eight³, in Chatham - the brothers' home town.

Itauma says the gym, due to be opened in September, focuses on "wellness and longevity'", with facilities including IV drips, blood tests, ice baths, pilates, alongside traditional training.

"This kind of service was limited to elites athletes but we want to bring it to the everyday professional who are health-conscious and want to improve their life," the 25-year-old explained.

The Itauma brothers grew up fighting as amateurs in Chatham until Karol signed with Queensberry in December 2020 and his brother followed in his footsteps in January 2023.

They fought on the same bill later that month, but Karol suffered a shock defeat while trying to win his first title in his 10th professional bout.

That same night, Moses won his pro debut, and he is now 14 fights undefeated, with 12 knockouts and arguably the most feared punching power in world boxing.

"What people see now, it isn't just talent, it's a mixture of God-gifted ability and extremely hard work and dedication over the years," Itauma said.

"My brother is doing what he's doing and to have that connection with boxing, it's still beautiful.

"I believe he'll go all the way."

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