British heavyweight
Delicious Orie has announced his shock retirement from boxing after just one professional fight.
The 27-year-old, who represented Team GB at the 2024 Olympics,
turned pro with Queensberry Promotions earlier this year and made his debut on April 5 in Manchester.
He won that night,
beating the 3-7 Milos Veletic on points over four threes to get off the mark with a victory.
But it has proved to be a case of one and done for the Moscow-born Wolverhampton native, who graduated from Aston University with a first class honours degree in Economics and Management. He also resisted overtures from the WWE in order to pursue a career in boxing as he set out to follow in the footsteps of Anthony Joshua by becoming world heavyweight champion.
But he has decided to draw a line under those plans altogether by announcing the surprising news via Instagram on Tuesday afternoon.
He 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.
“This sport has given me so much - incredible memories, unforgettable experiences travelling the world and many opportunities to represent my countries on 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.
“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.”