Depression fears drove Orie’s retirement decision
Depression Fears Led to Orie’s Retirement Choice
Delicious Orie, a 28-year-old boxer, has revealed that his decision to leave the sport stemmed from worries about mental health. “I imagined myself as a world champion, but one who was deeply unhappy, sorrowful, and worn out,” he told BBC Sport. “The thought of becoming a titleholder while battling constant despair was too much to bear.”
A Promising Path to the Top
When Orie began his professional journey a year ago, he seemed destined for greatness. Despite not winning a medal at the Paris Olympics, a fierce rivalry emerged around him, with multiple teams vying for his talents. Frank Warren’s Queensberry organisation triumphed over Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom and even drew interest from WWE. Orie was regarded as the next rising star in the heavyweight division.
Yet, just a month after the Olympics, he stunned the boxing world by announcing his retirement. “I wanted to withdraw before the sport unveiled its pressures,” Orie explained. “I turned pro for financial stability, needing the income, but quickly understood that money offers fleeting joy and no real sense of purpose. It left me feeling empty.”
From Amateur Aspirations to Professional Reality
Orie’s rise was marked by a late start in boxing. Born in Russia, he moved to the UK as a child and began the sport at 18. He set high expectations for himself, even as a child, recognising the opportunities boxing provided in his new home. Over nearly a decade, his focus was singular: securing a place in Team GB and becoming an Olympic champion.
When that dream didn’t materialise, Orie felt a quiet shift within. “There was no alternative plan, no other direction, just relentless pursuit of that medal,” he said. “Failing to win only intensified the feeling of loss when my hand wasn’t raised in victory.”
A Crossroads of Emotion and Ambition
His professional debut, a win over Milos Veletic, was meant to be a simple start. Instead, it became a test of his resolve. “I had to choose between quitting early, when I was outmatched by a younger, more determined opponent, or continuing with the power to walk away from the things I truly wanted,” Orie reflected.
He also feared the long-term impact of his mental state. “Boxing can be a breeding ground for destructive habits, like Tyson Fury showed,” he noted. “I felt like I was heading down that path. Ignoring my emotions made it harder to see the truth. I had to act before it was too late.”
Orie now works as a financial advisor, aiming to guide others toward meaningful lives. He regrets not sharing his decision with loved ones, who were equally surprised. “Being mentally strong doesn’t mean shutting out your feelings,” he said. “When you neglect them, the consequences can be severe. I believe education about mental health is essential.”
His goal remains to inspire young men to seek purpose beyond wealth. “I want to be a model for those choosing their path,” he added. “Fulfillment, not just money, is what truly matters.”
