From Olympic Disappointment to Boxing Resurgence: Delicious Orie’s Journey to the Heavyweight Division

From Paris to the Ring: Orie’s Defining Moments

Heavyweight boxer Delicious Orie faced a pivotal moment in his career following the Paris Olympics. Despite being a favorite, Orie failed to secure a medal, leaving him to reevaluate his path. During his time in Paris, he received an unexpected message from the WWE, the world’s premier wrestling promotion, which sought to recruit him.

"I thought it was a scam at first," Orie admitted. "But when I checked the account, it was legit. They wanted me to try out in Florida." Orie’s visit to WWE was a whirlwind experience, filled with the glitz and glamour of show business. He met legends like Shawn Michaels and Booker T, reliving childhood memories. However, the allure of wrestling couldn’t overshadow his true passion.

Rediscovering Boxing Amid Heartbreak

Returning to the UK, Orie took time to reflect. He grappled with the emotional toll of his Olympic loss but ultimately concluded that boxing was where his heart lay. After mulling over offers from various promoters, including Matchroom and Boxxer, Orie chose Queensberry Promotions, drawn by their vision and commitment to his development.

"I met with all the top promoters," Orie explained. "But Queensberry stood out. George Warren was key in convincing me." Orie appreciated the emphasis on building his identity as a fighter and saw a promising future with the stable, which includes heavyweights like Daniel Dubois and Moses Itauma.

A Fighter’s Journey Beyond the Ring

Born in Moscow to a Nigerian father and Russian mother, Orie moved to the UK at age seven. He faced cultural challenges but excelled academically, earning a first-class degree in economics and management. Even as a boxer, Orie continues to expand his knowledge, citing a fascination with the psychology of money and investing.

"If I weren’t a boxer, I’d be a lecturer," Orie shared. His journey into boxing was inspired by Anthony Joshua, whose meteoric rise made Orie believe in the sport as his calling.

What Lies Ahead for Orie?

Having chosen Queensberry Promotions, Orie is now focused on carving out a legacy in the heavyweight division. With a gold medal from the 2022 Commonwealth Games and the 2023 European Championships under his belt, Orie is poised to make his mark on the professional stage. His decision to stay true to boxing reflects his resilience and unwavering commitment to the sport he loves.