Boxing star Delicious Orie has opened up about his surprising decision to retire from professional boxing after just one fight. The 28-year-old, who won gold at the 2022 Commonwealth Games and represented Team GB at the Paris Olympics in 2024, stepped away from the sport shortly after a successful professional debut.
A Short-Lived Professional Career
Orie signed his first professional contract less than a year after the Paris Olympics. His debut bout ended in victory, as he defeated Milos Veletic on points. However, within three months, he announced his retirement and plans to enter the corporate world. The decision shocked many in the boxing community.
Transition to Corporate Life
Orie explained that the mental shift was significant. He said: "It was a big mental shift for me. It was a bit strange and caught me off guard for a couple of months, but I'm eight months in now and it feels like this is what I'm meant to be doing. I've worked really hard and done almost all of my exams to become chartered as a financial advisor."
He credits his athletic discipline for his success in the corporate world: "I take a lot of the things that I've learned from being an athlete into the corporate world. The whole thing of discipline, commitment, and just being absolutely relentless has helped me and paid dividends in the corporate world."
Background and Education
Born in Moscow to a Nigerian father and Russian mother, Orie moved to Wolverhampton at age seven. He graduated from Aston University with a degree in Economics and Management. He noted that his transition to office life was initially strange: "I left university and then went straight into Team GB and training as a full-time athlete, so I never really got to experience life at the office."
Finding Fulfillment
Orie reflected on his changing perception of fulfillment: "My perception of what fulfilled me changed. And not overnight. It was a slow adaptation of my meaning of purpose and life, and that meant stopping boxing as a result. I got a dog too. Now I'm committed to going out for walks and really focusing on myself internally."
He added: "Since I can remember, the focus has always been to impress other people. I got the GCSEs and the A-levels to be the best person in the class, but it was for other people. The more you work on anything, the more you find out about yourself. Over time, you find out what actually fulfils you and pushes you forward. What I am feeling right now is fulfilment."
Continued Involvement in Boxing
Despite retiring from professional competition, Orie still boxes in his spare time and coaches the next generation. This summer, he is participating in the Kings Baton Relay, supported by Team England’s official automotive partner, Geely, as part of the build-up to the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.
He said: "If you had asked me last year, I was also anxious, happy, nervous, and excited, but I wasn't fulfilled." Orie remains confident in his decision, stating: "I know in 40 years time I will be immensely proud of myself. I want to push the message to my grandchildren that you need to follow what makes you feel fulfilled on this planet."
