One of Anthony Joshua’s understudies will retire from heavyweight boxing just weeks after his pro debut.
Heavyweight boxing is in a great position, with several exciting prospects making their way closer to a shot at a major title. Top stars like Moses Itauma, Daniel Dubois, and other young names set the heavyweight division up for a promising future.
UK boxing, in particular, has taken off in recent years. The epic Chris Eubank Jr. vs. Conor Benn fight earlier this year, combined with lingering names like Anthony Joshua have garnered a growing boxing fanbase in the region.
Despite the state of the heavyweight division, boxing is losing one of the brightest young prospects, after a former gold medalist announced his retirement on social media.
Gold medalist Delicious Orie retires just weeks after winning pro debut
In a recent social media statement posted to Instagram, Delicious Orie explained his decision to hang up the gloves.
“After much reflection, I have decided to hang up my gloves and retire from boxing to follow up on my degree and enter the corporate world,” Orie said.
“This sport has given me so much — incredible memories, unforgettable experiences travelling the world and many opportunities to represent my country at the biggest stages in the world. Forever grateful for the journey.
“Over time, I’ve come to recognise that the same fire and love I once had for boxing has gradually faded. As I’ve grown, I’ve come to value clarity and honesty with myself above all,” Orie continued. “I hoped that turning professional would reignite the passion, but the truth has become clear: it hasn’t. Every fighter knows you need a deep love for the craft to reach the top — and without it, there’s no path forward.
“Out of respect for the sport and for myself, it’s time to step away with honesty…”
Orie is weeks removed from defeating Milos Veletic in his professional boxing debut in Manchester. Before turning pro, Orie attracted a lot of attention in boxing circles after winning gold medals at the 2022 Commonwealth Games and the 2023 European Games for Team Great Britain.
At 27 years old, Orie is walking away from the heavyweight division before his physical prime, which makes it a surprising decision. But Orie seems content in his choice to walk away from boxing to preserve his health and well-being for the long-term.
Delicious Orie learned from Anthony Joshua during promising boxing career
In terms of what’s next for Orie, he hasn’t specified what he wants to pursue long-term when he wraps up his education. Orie graduated with a degree in Economics and Management in 2020 at Aston University.
Just three years ago, a BBC feature coined Orie ‘Britain’s next super-heavyweight hope’, high praise for the promising talent. While Orie walks away before realizing his full potential, he accomplished many of the goals he set for himself as a child.
Orie defeated Veletic on points over four rounds last month at the Co-Op Live arena.