Former Youth Olympics gold medallist Karol Itauma has embarked on a new chapter, opening a specialist health club in his hometown of Chatham, Kent, after a heart attack brought an abrupt end to his promising professional boxing career. Itauma, who won gold in the light-heavyweight division at the 2018 Youth Olympics, was forced to retire from the sport in August 2024 following medical advice that continuing could be fatal.
The 25-year-old revealed he initially attempted to conceal his condition but ultimately faced a stark choice: succumb to depression or find a new purpose. Motivated by his brother Moses's continued success in professional boxing, Itauma chose to remain deeply involved in the world of sport and fitness, pivoting his focus towards health and well-being.
Working alongside his brother Moses, unbeaten featherweight Frankie Wood, and Ipswich Town midfielder Anis Mehmeti, Itauma has co-founded Club Eight³. The Chatham-based gym, which opened its doors in September, is designed with a strong emphasis on 'wellness and longevity'. It boasts a comprehensive range of facilities, including IV drips, blood tests, ice baths, and Pilates, alongside more traditional training methods.
Itauma explained that the vision behind Club Eight³ is to democratise access to services traditionally reserved for elite athletes. He stated, "This kind of service was limited to elite athletes, but we want to bring it to the everyday professional who are health-conscious and want to improve their life." This initiative aims to bridge the gap between high-performance athletic care and general public well-being.
The Itauma brothers have a long history in boxing, having grown up fighting as amateurs in Chatham. Karol signed professionally with Queensberry in December 2020, with Moses following suit in January 2023. They even fought on the same bill later that month, a night where Karol suffered a significant defeat in his tenth professional bout while Moses secured a win in his professional debut. Moses Itauma has since built an impressive undefeated record of 14 fights, including 12 knockouts, and is widely regarded for his formidable punching power.