Olympic boxer announces shock retirement after just one professional bout

The Birmingham 2022 heavyweight gold medallist and Paris 2024 Olympian, who had long made clear his ambition to become world champion, has quit less than two months after making his pro debut.

In a statement, Orie explained how his “fire and love” for boxing had “gradually faded” and that it was time to step away “out of respect for the sport and myself”.

The 27-year-old, who has a first-class degree in Economics and Management from Aston University, now plans to follow up on his studies. 

He said: “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.

“This sport has given me so much - incredible memories, unforgettable experiences travelling the world and so many opportunities to represent my country at the biggest stages in the world. Forever grateful for the journey.

“Over time, I’ve come to recognise that the same fire and love I once had for boxing has gradually faded.”

Orie was born in Moscow to a Russian mother and Nigerian father but moved to the UK with his family at the age of seven to escape racism in his homeland.

The Colton Hills Academy student only took up boxing aged 18, against the advice of his parents, after being inspired by watching Anthony Joshua win his first professional world title.

He vowed to follow in the footsteps of his idol and made a strong start, winning Commonwealth Games gold in front of a hometown crowd in Birmingham three summers ago.

Orie then won gold at the European Games the following year to book his place at the Olympics but his Paris dream turned into a nightmare when he suffered a controversial first round loss to Davit Chaloyan.

In the months following the Games he received an offer to join the WWE but ended up staying with boxing, signing professional terms with Frank Warren’s Queensberry Promotions.

Orie made his professional bow with a comfortable points win over Bosnia’s Milos Veletic last month.

But in a statement issued via his social media channels on Tuesday afternoon, he acknowledged his passion for the sport had gone.

Orie wrote: “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 is no path forward. 

“Out of respect for the sport and for myself, it’s time to step away with honesty.”

Team England, whom Orie represented at Birmingham 2022, were among the first to pay tribute to his achievements in the ring.

It said in a message posted on X: “The Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games champion has announced his retirement from boxing. Wishing you all the best Delicious.”