Depression fears drove Orie’s retirement decision
Depression fears drove Orie’s retirement decision
Delicious Orie’s journey from amateur boxing to professional stardom ended abruptly when he chose to step away from the sport. The 28-year-old, who had been on the cusp of Olympic glory, revealed that his mental health struggles were the driving force behind his choice.
From Olympic Dreams to Professional Ambitions
Orie’s career took off after his professional debut a year prior, where he seemed destined for greatness. Following his performance at the Paris Olympics, he became a highly sought-after prospect, with multiple organizations vying for his talent. Despite failing to win a medal in the heavyweight category, his potential drew attention from Frank Warren’s Queensberry and Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom, as well as the WWE.
“I wanted to pull out before the boxing exposed me,” Orie explained. “I turned pro for the money, needed the money, but realized it only gives a little happiness and zero fulfillment. You feel nothing.”
Though he had started boxing at 18, Orie had already set high expectations for himself as a child. Born in Russia, he moved to the UK with his family and envisioned a future where boxing would provide both financial security and personal satisfaction. His goal was to become an Olympic champion, a dream he pursued with relentless dedication over nearly a decade.
“There was no plan B, no other thing, just tunnel vision to win that medal,” he said. “So the fact that I didn’t magnified the feeling even more when my hand wasn’t raised.”
Orie’s pro debut was meant to be a straightforward start, but it became a test of his resolve. After a hard-fought victory over Milos Veletic, he questioned whether his sacrifices were worth it. “I had to make a choice,” he reflected. “Either step away when it was almost too late or keep chasing the external validation that money promised.”
No Path Forward
His decision to retire came after a pivotal moment in the Paris Olympics, where he lost in the round of 16 to Davit Chaloyan of Armenia. This loss, combined with the relentless pressure of professional boxing, left him feeling empty. “I gave everything to the sport, missed everything—happiness, birthdays, weddings, funerals,” he added. “Knowing I could never achieve that again without a medal was very sobering.”
“You start to find other things that could be destructive instead of constructive,” Orie noted. “I’ve seen it countless times in boxing, like Tyson Fury and others. I genuinely feel like that was the road I was going down.”
Orie now works as a financial advisor, using his experience to guide others toward fulfillment rather than fleeting wealth. He regrets not sharing his struggles with those close to him, believing openness could have prevented his decision. “Being strong mentally doesn’t mean cutting off your emotions,” he said. “Ignoring them leads to the point where it’s too late. Education is key.”
“I want to be a role model for young men considering their futures,” Orie concluded. “Just like Anthony Joshua was to me at the London 2012 Olympics, I hope to show them that chasing validation externally doesn’t guarantee inner satisfaction.”