Delicious Orie Walks Away: A Shock Retirement That Leaves Boxing Asking “What If?”

“No Path Forward” – Orie Explains Decision to Retire Just Weeks After Professional Debut

In a sport where careers are often measured in blood, sweat, and years, Delicious Orie’s decision to retire just one fight into his professional journey has sent a wave of surprise across British boxing.

The 27-year-old, once seen as the heir to Anthony Joshua’s heavyweight legacy, announced on social media that he is stepping away from boxing altogether, citing a fading passion and a desire to pursue opportunities outside the ring. For many, it was a shock retirement—one that came before his story had truly begun.

A Rising Star With a Sudden Full Stop

Throwback to Orie as an amateur star

Orie’s boxing CV, while short in the professional ranks, is not without accolades. Born in Russia and raised in the UK, he captured gold at the 2022 Commonwealth Games and wore the Team GB colours proudly at the Paris Olympics. His amateur pedigree was matched by intelligence and discipline—traits that earned him a first-class degree in Economics and Management from Aston University.

He seemed destined for stardom. Earlier this year, he inked a deal with Frank Warren’s Queensberry Promotions after reportedly being courted by every major promoter in the country. His pro debut came in April against Bosnian opponent Milos Veletic, a bout he won on points. While not dazzling, it was a solid start.

But just weeks later, the same man who had been touted as Britain’s next great heavyweight was walking away.

“I’ve Grown, and So Have My Priorities”

Orie’s retirement announcement came via Instagram, delivered in a tone of quiet reflection rather than drama. He wrote with honesty and maturity:

“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.

“I hoped that turning professional would reignite the passion, but the truth has become clear: it hasn’t.”

There was no bitterness in his words. No finger-pointing, no excuses. Just a personal realisation—and the courage to follow through.

“Every fighter knows you need a deep love for the craft to reach the top – and without it, there’s no path forward,” he added. “Out of respect for the sport and for myself, it’s time to step away with honesty.”

A Brutally Honest Exit

What makes Orie’s departure stand out isn’t just its timing—it’s the rare honesty. Boxing, by its very nature, is a sport that rewards perseverance through pain. But Orie is part of a new generation of athletes increasingly aware of the toll that blind ambition can take when the passion no longer burns.

Rather than chase belts for the sake of image or cash, he chose clarity. Rather than put on a brave face and plod through a career he wasn’t fully invested in, he stopped. In a sport that often romanticises grit above all else, Orie chose self-awareness.

It’s a decision that demands respect.

From Olympic Hopeful to “What Might Have Been”

Orie’s abrupt exit also marks the end of what many believed would be a glittering career. He was tipped by insiders to become a heavyweight world title contender within just a few years. The comparisons to Anthony Joshua weren’t made lightly—like AJ, Orie had size, charisma, a polished amateur background, and crossover potential.

But his Olympic journey in Paris ended prematurely with a surprise early exit. For a man who had spent years working toward that moment, it was a heartbreak that cut deep. Though he remained outwardly composed, those close to him say the disappointment stayed with him long after the Games had ended.

Some wondered whether that loss had dimmed the spark. Others suggested that the pressures of turning pro—the media attention, the expectations, the business side of boxing—may have left him disillusioned.

Whatever the reason, it seems clear now that Orie was wrestling with the decision even before he laced up his gloves for his debut.

Turning Down the WWE, Choosing the Real World

Orie’s intelligence and range of options outside the sport make his decision more understandable. Not every boxer has a contingency plan—but Orie has several.

He reportedly turned down an offer from the WWE before turning professional. While the details of that proposal remain private, the opportunity would have placed him on a different kind of stage altogether. That he said no at the time speaks to how committed he once was to boxing.

Now, he appears ready to fully pivot. With a prestigious degree in his back pocket and a calm sense of purpose, Orie is heading into the corporate world, where no punches need be taken to climb the ladder.

Boxing Says Goodbye, But the Door May Stay Open

In a sport where comebacks are as common as jabs, some will inevitably ask: is this really the end?

Boxing has seen countless retirements reversed—Lennox Lewis, Tyson Fury, Floyd Mayweather, even Muhammad Ali—each walked away only to return, lured by unfinished business or the buzz of the spotlight. But Orie doesn’t seem to be leaving with regret. His message was not one of burnout or despair, but peace.

If anything, the door he’s closing feels deliberate.

And yet, should that fire return, the sport will still be here. It always is.

A Career Measured in More Than Belts

For all the questions Orie’s retirement raises, perhaps the most important thing is the example he’s set. That it’s okay to walk away. That success isn’t defined by knockouts or title belts. That passion—not pressure—should be the guiding force.

In leaving boxing, Delicious Orie has reminded us that sometimes, the bravest thing a fighter can do is not to fight.