Karol Itauma, a promising light-heavyweight boxer, recently opened up about his life-changing experience following a heart attack that has redirected his career path. As he joined a Zoom call from a gym in Harlow, where his brother Moses was training for a world heavyweight title fight, it became evident how their trajectories have diverged. While Moses is preparing to step into the ring with an unbeaten record, Karol has been sidelined since March 2025 due to serious health issues.
At just 25 years old, Karol's heart attack has only recently come to light, revealing the challenges he has faced over the past two years. The incident occurred during a period when he was attempting a seven-day water fast to detoxify his body. On the fifth day, he experienced severe chest pain, which he initially dismissed. However, after a run that evening, the pain intensified, prompting him to seek medical attention. Tests revealed alarmingly high troponin levels, indicating significant heart stress.
After being transferred to William Harvey Hospital in Ashford, doctors delivered a stark warning about his boxing future. Karol recalls the emotional impact of hearing medical professionals tell him that continuing to box could be fatal. For a young athlete who had dedicated his life to the sport since the age of 13, this diagnosis was devastating. Despite managing to get back into fighting shape months later, further medical evaluations confirmed the severity of his condition, leading to a reconsideration of his priorities.
“It was tough for me,” Karol admitted, reflecting on the identity crisis that followed the diagnosis. He recognized that boxing had been a core part of his life, and the prospect of stepping away from the sport was daunting. As he sought alternative treatments and remedies, the possibility of needing a defibrillator loomed over him, adding to his anxiety about the future.
Karol's experience comes at a time when the sports world is grappling with the tragic loss of athletes due to heart-related issues. The recent death of UFC fighter Allan Nascimento, who passed away at the age of 34 from a heart attack, serves as a sobering reminder of the risks athletes face. This context has undoubtedly influenced Karol's decision to pivot towards a new venture: establishing Club Eight Three, a private fitness club in Medway, Kent.
Club Eight Three aims to provide a unique blend of fitness and recovery services, catering to both professional athletes and fitness enthusiasts. The club will offer amenities such as on-site medical staff, blood tests, IV drips, and cryotherapy, all designed to promote health and longevity. Karol envisions this initiative as a way to share the benefits of elite-level training and wellness practices with a broader audience.
Reflecting on the inspiration behind Club Eight Three, Karol explained that the idea stemmed from conversations he had with his brother and friends about the potential of creating a gym. Following his health scare, he felt a renewed sense of purpose in developing a project that could help others achieve their fitness goals while prioritizing their well-being.
As Karol embarks on this new chapter, his brother Moses continues to pursue his boxing career, with aspirations of becoming the second-youngest heavyweight champion in history. Karol admires Moses's dedication and talent, recognizing the hard work that has led him to this point. While their paths may have diverged, both brothers remain committed to their respective journeys in the world of boxing and fitness.
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