AMATEUR standout Delicious Orie has decided to hang up his gloves and, in doing so, leave a promising career in the professional ranks behind.
The 27-year-old made his pro debut under the Queensberry Promotions banner last month, appearing on the undercard of Joe Joyce vs Filip Hrgovic.
While not being the glittering performance he had perhaps hoped for, Orie nonetheless displayed several glimpses of his talent in a four-round points victory over Milos Veletic.
But despite much intrigue surrounding his development in the sport, the Olympian ultimately announced his unexpected retirement via social media earlier today.
On an Instagram post, Orie wrote: “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.
“Over time, I’ve come to recognise that the same fire and love I once had for boxing has gradually faded.
“I hoped that turning professional would reignite the passion, but the truth has become clear: it hasn’t. Out of respect for the sport and for myself, it’s time to step away with honesty.”
Prior to his professional debut, Orie had claimed many accolades as an amateur, including a gold medal at the 2022 Commonwealth Games.
His success in the unpaid ranks then led him towards last year’s Paris Olympics, where a highly-contentious defeat to Davit Chaloyan saw him miss out on a coveted podium spot.
Nevertheless, the dynamic heavyweight prospect soon turned his attention towards the pro ranks, despite teasing a potential stab at professional wrestling.
In any case, the Russian-born athlete inked a promotional deal with Frank Warren and linked up with esteemed trainer Grant Smith at the Steel City Gym in Sheffield, England.
After laying down the foundations of a successful career in pugilism, though, it would appear that Orie now intends to join the corporate world, an equally treacherous industry.
In that sense, it could be said that the West Midlands man is already well-equipped to navigate himself through this next stage in his life, wherever it may take him.
