Grand opening, grand closing.
Delicious Orie confirmed that his pro career will be one and done, in a stunning retirement announcement on Tuesday. The 27-year-old British heavyweight – born in Moscow but raised in Wolverhampton, West Midlands - was one of the most sought-after talents upon his decision to turn pro after representing Great Britain in the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Just one fight into his pro career, however, he has already had enough of the sport.
“Over time, I’ve come to [recognize] that the same fire and love I once had for boxing has gradually faded,” Orie admitted in a statement released via his verified Instagram account. “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.”
Orie, 1-0 (0 KOs), exits the pro ranks with a four-round decision over Bosnian journeyman Milos Veletic, 3-9 (1 KO). The bout took place on the April 5 Filip Hrgovic-Joe Joyce undercard at Co-op Live Arena in Manchester, England.
Placement on the show came a couple of months after Orie chose Queensberry Promotions – headed by Hall of Fame promoter Frank Warren – as his promoter among a slew of offers. Nearly every UK-based promotional outfit sought to land the 6’6” Orie, as did World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE).
The decision to sign with Queensberry made the most sense given the company’s rich stock in the heavyweight division.
Orie made the decision to turn pro after his personal letdown during last summer’s Olympics. A medal hopeful, Orie dropped a contentious split decision to Armenia’s Davit Chaloyan in the opening round of competition.
Still, he hoped to make his mark in a sport that caught his attention a decade ago. His main inspiration was Anthony Joshua, a 2012 Olympic Gold medalist who brought the UK boxing scene to new heights during his two tours as a unified heavyweight titlist.
He will instead pursue another passion for which he is well-equipped.
Orie graduated with honors from . The charismatic figure now plans to apply that higher learning to his new journey as he joins the workforce.
“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,” noted Orie. “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.
“To everyone who supported me along the way - thank you. To my coaches, teammates, staff at and to those who stood by me through my (albeit brief) professional journey - and at , Frank and George Warren at and Grant Smith and his team in - your belief, support and guidance meant the world.”
Jake Donovan is an award-winning journalist who served as a senior writer for BoxingScene from 2007-2024, and news editor for the final nine years of his first tour. He was also the lead writer for The Ring before his decision to return home. Follow Jake on and .