In a different scenario, Delicious Orie might have chosen a path away from professional boxing.
Following a painful Olympic experience marked by a disputed judges` decision, the 27-year-old boxer reached a critical turning point in his life.
He faced a choice: embrace a lucrative career in professional wrestling in America, offering financial security and less physical punishment in the ring, or dedicate himself to the demanding and unpredictable world of boxing.
For Orie, who was born in Russia, the decision was clear. He chose boxing.
“It’s a profound decision, to be honest,” Orie explained when asked about his recent choice to turn professional with Frank Warren.
“I visited Florida and experienced the world of WWE. They presented it to me as a complete package, highlighting the WWE`s status as a leading entertainment entity and my potential to become a major superstar.”
“However, after taking some time to reflect, I asked myself, ‘What do I, Delicious Orie, truly want to achieve? What legacy do I want to leave for my children?’”
“I want to be remembered as someone who worked tirelessly to inspire others, and no sport demands more dedication than boxing. It`s an incredibly tough and demanding path.”
“While wrestling at the highest level also requires immense effort, I believe boxing offers a more profound sense of fulfillment if I can achieve greatness. It will make my life truly meaningful.”
“So, I decided to commit to boxing. When I look back at 50 or 60 years old, I want to know that I gave everything I had to be the best version of myself in the real world. That`s why I chose boxing.”
Orie`s thoughtful explanation reflects his articulate nature. Holding a degree in economics and management from Aston University, his path to boxing has been unconventional. Inspired by Anthony Joshua`s Olympic gold medal and heavyweight championships, Orie started boxing relatively late at 18.
“I knew it from the moment I saw AJ`s victory,” he added. “Despite never being punched before, I was determined to pursue boxing. Discovering Joshua started at 18, I thought, ‘I’m going to become heavyweight champion of the world.’ Then, experiencing punches firsthand, I realized it would be a longer journey than anticipated.”
“Starting at 18 or 19, I knew time was limited. I focused entirely on boxing, and it has proven worthwhile. Having trained for eight years, I have more potential for growth. I need about three more years to fully develop as a heavyweight before reaching my peak and sustaining a long career like other top boxers.”
Considering Derek Chisora`s continued success at 41, Orie is still young in boxing terms. However, transitioning to professional boxing as a Commonwealth Games gold medalist and Olympian brings pressure to perform immediately. Orie remains composed.
“I’m not rushing my progress. Greatness cannot be hurried. In fact, I believe my timing is perfect. While I can’t afford to waste time on ventures like a year in WWE, which would hinder my boxing development, I feel I’m exactly where I need to be.”
Orie was asked if his Olympic experience, a surprising defeat to Davit Chaloyan, fuels his ambition. Despite being a Team GB gold medal contender, a 3-2 split decision ended his Paris Games journey early.
“The Olympic loss has definitely intensified my drive,” he admits. “Losing was painful and it took months to regain perspective. Eventually, I grounded myself, recovered, and resumed training.”
“I hope this experience will ultimately benefit me. Currently, it still stings, and I’m unsure when that will fade. But that’s life – sometimes you don`t get what you desire. It’s a lesson I had to learn.”
This Olympic setback is just another chapter in Orie’s diverse life. Arriving in England at seven, he was unable to speak English after a challenging early childhood in Russia.
“Your first seven years shape you,” he reflects. “Those years in Russia made me feel different, somewhat excluded from society.”
“My parents faced financial hardships, and witnessing my father experience racism was difficult. Moving to the UK at seven brought a strong sense of responsibility. I felt it was my turn to contribute, given the opportunity my parents provided.”
“Unable to speak English in year four, my focus was clear: master English to excel in SATs, GCSEs, A-levels, and university.”
“That seven-year-old determination remains. Twenty years later, that burning desire persists, now channeled into boxing. I have a deep inner drive to care for those around me.”
“Choosing WWE might have been easier; wrestling is demanding, but boxing is unparalleled in its rigor. Perhaps I subconsciously chose the harder path. If I had pursued wrestling as my primary career, I might have felt unfulfilled or even depressed. It would have felt like settling too early, despite being capable and healthy at 27, with peak years ahead. I couldn`t have lived with that decision.”
Now, his path is set: boxing for a living. Joining Warren and Queensberry, he enters a stable filled with heavyweights like David Adeleye, Fabio Wardley, Moses Itauma, and current IBF champion Daniel Dubois, alongside the recently retired Tyson Fury. George Warren, Frank`s son, played a crucial role in securing the deal.
“I met with all the promoters, had meals, and visited their offices.”
“But George Warren was new to me. Meeting him in his office impressed me instantly with his professionalism and demeanor. I felt we could not only achieve financial success together but also elevate heavyweight boxing.”
“Queensberry’s history of carefully developing fighters is also appealing. I`m a gradual learner, needing time and proper investment to reach my potential, and Queensberry seems ideal for that.”
Now, Orie must prove that WWE`s loss is indeed heavyweight boxing`s gain.
