Queensberry heavyweight star Delicious Orie announces shock boxing retirement

British heavyweight prospect Delicious Orie has drawn the curtain upon his professional boxing career just a month after making a triumphant professional debut under the Queensberry umbrella.

The 27-year-old was touted as one of Team GB's biggest boxing medal hopes at the 2024 Olympic Games, but fell short of fulfiling his gold medal dream in Paris.

After much deliberation, and contractual offers from all of the biggest promotional organisations in the United Kingdom, Orie turned pro with Frank Warren earlier this year and subsequently went on to score a points success over Milos Veletic in April.

However, despite that, he has opted to call time on his boxing career and pursue new opportunities in the 'corporate world'.

Announcing the news on his official social media platforms on Tuesday, he said:

"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.

- Delicious Orie (Instagram)

"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."

The fighter also went on to thank his former coaches, teammates and management, including Frank Warren who spoke glowingly after tying him down to a multi-fight agreement in March.

At the time the Queensberry supremo said: "This is yet another signature heavyweight signing for us and I am delighted to welcome Delicious to the team.

"Delicious has got everything stacked in his favour to make himself a major success as a professional heavyweight. He is skilful, powerful, popular and charismatic and I am certain the British public will get behind him in a big way as he makes his way in the sport.

"We have got incredible depth in the heavyweight division here at Queensberry but, as always, we develop each fighter as an individual and Delicious will be given the right fights at the right time to progress him towards major title contention."

Mark Mothershaw

• Queensberry
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