Prospect Karol Itauma Shows Promise at Light Heavyweight
The light heavyweight division is on fire with big fights and promising young talented fighters on the horizon. Prospect Karol Itauma (9-0, 7KO) has added his name to the list after his December 3 performance against Vladimir Belujsky.
The 22-year-old Slovakian has a noteworthy amateur pedigree as an eight-time national champion and won the gold medal in the 2018 Youth Olympic Games. At age 19, the talented boxer decided to forgo waiting to participate in the Olympics and signed with Frank Warren’s Queensberry Promotions.
He made a successful professional debut on the undercard of the rematch between light heavyweights Lyndon Arthur and Anthony Yarde. Itauma showed off more of his overall boxing ability under the bright lights of WBC heavyweight champion Tyson Fury versus Derek Chisora.
Itauma put on a well-rounded display of boxing behind the jab against Belujsky. He honed those skills as a sparring partner in helping Chris Eubank Jr prepare for James Degale. The young Chatham resident picked up more knowledge sparring with WBO cruiserweight champion Lawrence Okolie.
WHAT IS NEXT FOR ITAUMA?
Itauma is rapidly moving up the ladder on the domestic level scene, having knocked out five opponents in a row. It is time to push the envelope and stop feeding him below-level fighters. A domestic-level title run is in order. Fans should not be surprised if he fights for the Commonwealth, BBBofC, or the British light heavyweight crown at some point in 2023
By: Garrisson Bland
