Delicious Orie, Olympic heavyweight, announces shock retirement from boxing after just one pro fight

Delicious Orie is hanging up his gloves after just one professional fight.

The 2024 Olympian for Team Great Britain announced his unexpected decision to retire from boxing on Tuesday morning in order to pursue a career in the corporate world. Orie has an Economics and Management degree from Birmingham's Aston University.

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Orie, 27, had a decorated amateur journey, winning heavyweight gold at the 2022 Commonwealth Games and the 2023 European Games, however his Olympic run was cut short after losing a controversial split decision to Davit Chaloyan in the first round.

Orie was mulling over an offer from the WWE shortly after his Olympic spell, however the 6-foot-6 heavyweight turned down the lucrative proposal to instead turn professional in boxing with Frank Warren's Queensberry Promotions this past February.

The West Midlands-based heavyweight made his one-and-done appearance in the pro ranks on the Joe Joyce vs. Filip Hrgovic undercard at the Co-op Live Arena in Manchester in April. Orie won a four-round points decision over Bosnian journeyman Milos Veletic in an unimpressive showing.

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Orie's statement read:

"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.

"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 recognize 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. 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.

"To everyone who supported me along the way — thank you. To my coaches, teammates, staff at @gbboxing and to those who stood by me through my (albeit brief) professional journey - @seanotoole_1 and @paulready_ at @stnsports_, Frank and George Warren at @queensberrypromotions and Grant Smith and his team in — your belief, support and guidance meant the world."