A rising heavyweight star has announced an abrupt and shock retirement from the sport.
The heavyweight division has experienced a boom in recent years, with the likes of Oleksandr Usyk, Tyson Fury and Daniel Dubois all involved in mega-fights over the past 18 months.
Another British star was hoping to one day follow in those footsteps, after competing at the 2024 Olympics in Paris and also previously becoming a gold medalist at the Commonwealth Games in 2022.
Delicious Orie – who had welcomed the ‘next heavyweight superstar’ tag – turned professional earlier this year, claiming a points victory over Milos Veletic, but has now revealed on social media that he’s walking away from the sport just one fight into his campaign.
“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 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.
“To everyone who supported me along the way — thank you. To my coaches, teammates, staff at GB Boxing and to those who stood by me through my (albeit brief) professional journey.
Orie leaves Queensberry Promotions one heavyweight down, however head honcho Frank Warren has plenty left in his stable, with the likes of Dubois, Joseph Parker, Lawrence Okolie, Fabio Wardley and more.
The next big fight in the division takes place in July, as Usyk and Dubois collide for undisputed heavyweight honours at Wembley Stadium.
