Undefeated light heavyweight prospect, Karol Itauma highlights Anthony Joshua as his inspiration ahead of his fourth professional fight on Friday night.
Itauma (3-0, 2 KOs) faces the experienced Darryl Sharp (5-74-1) on Frank Warren’s inaugural prospects show, headlined by the featherweight clash between Louie Lynn and Amin Jahanzeb at the Copper Box Arena, live on BT Sport and the BT Sport YouTube channel.
The 20-year-old admits Joshua, who defends his unified heavyweight world titles against Oleksandr Usyk, at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on September 25 was his first role model in the sport.
“The first person who was a role model or inspiration was Anthony Joshua in a sense,” Itauma told proboxing-fans.com.
“Winning the Olympic Gold medal, then turning professional and being a world champion.
“And also the image and the way he portrays himself and what he does, it’s inspiring.
“He’s brought more eyes to the sport, more people are tuning in and he has had a positive impact on it.”
Itauma has won his first three professional bouts, including two by stoppage since turning over under Hall of Fame promoter, Frank Warren after a decorated amateur career.
The 2018 Olympic Youth Gold medalist, who resides in Kent believes he can one day achieve his goals of reaching the pinnacle of the sport and insists he is not feeling any weight of expectation during the early stages of his professional journey.
“I don’t feel like there’s any pressure,” Itauma added.
“I know where I want to be. I know the plan to be undisputed world champion.
“I’m only 20-years-old. I’m learning and improving. I haven’t even got my man strength yet, I haven’t matured yet.
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“So when all that happens and the timing’s right, I know I will get to where I want to get to.
“I trust my team. I’ve been with my coach since I was 14. My same amateur coach and now he’s in my corner as well, so I trust the team and they’ll know when I’m ready.
“We have got a timeline in our heads, but it’s all about timing.”
Watch the full interview with Karol Itauma below.
