Delicious Orie, born on May 31, 1997, in Moscow to a Nigerian father and a Russian mother, has defied numerous challenges to become a prominent figure in British boxing. From facing racial prejudice in his early years to transitioning from a failed basketball dream to becoming a champion in the boxing ring, Orie has proven that with resilience and determination, one can achieve anything they set their minds to.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!At the age of seven, Orie moved from Moscow to England, seeking a fresh start from the racial challenges he faced due to his skin color. His family settled in Wolverhampton, where he would later attend Colton Hills Community School. It was during these formative years that Orie began developing his love for sports, and initially, his dream was not to become a boxer but a basketball star.
Inspired by Luol Deng, a Sudanese-born player who represented Great Britain at the 2012 London Olympics, Orie set his sights on making it big in the NBA. He poured his heart into basketball, training tirelessly with clubs in West Bromwich and Wolverhampton. His skills earned him places in the regional under-16 and under-18 squads, and he even had the potential to reach national level. But when passport difficulties halted his chances of securing a US college scholarship, his basketball ambitions came crashing down.
Faced with limited opportunities in the UK for basketball, Orie had a tough decision to make. Rather than giving up on his athletic dreams, he pivoted toward a new path: boxing. He was also inspired by Anthony Joshua who is also a Nigerian like himself.
At 18, he entered the ring for the first time, quickly realizing it was where he belonged. The four-cornered ring became his sanctuary, a place where he could channel his energy, resilience, and ambition.
Taking a gap year after completing his A-levels, Orie focused on his new passion. He began rigorous training at the Henrietta Street gym in Birmingham, balancing his boxing journey with part-time jobs to support himself. His dedication paid off quickly—by April 2019, just a few years after lacing up his gloves, Orie won the English National Amateur Championship super-heavyweight title, one of the most prestigious titles in amateur boxing.
In addition to his athletic achievements, Orie excelled academically. He earned a First Class Honours degree in Economics and Management from Aston University in 2020, proving that his ambition stretched beyond the boxing ring. His success in both academics and sports earned him a spot on Great Britain’s boxing squad, further propelling his career.
Orie’s rise in boxing has been nothing short of meteoric. He clinched a bronze medal at the 2022 European Championships and followed it up with a gold medal at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, England. He further solidified his reputation on the international stage by winning gold at the 2023 European Games in Poland, a victory that qualified him for the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris.
Orie’s participation in the 2024 Olympics was a dream come true. However, his Olympic journey ended in a narrow defeat. Drawn against Davit Chaloyan, the 2021 AIBA World Boxing Championships silver medalist from Armenia, Orie lost in a split decision (3:2) in the first round. Despite the loss, his presence at the Olympics was a victory in itself, marking a significant achievement for a boxer who had started his career late and overcome numerous hurdles along the way.
Throughout his career, Orie has remained proud of his Nigerian heritage. His father revealed in a BBC interview that Orie’s unique name was inspired by Delious Kennedy, a vocalist from the American R&B group All-4-One. This deep connection to his roots has played a crucial role in shaping Orie’s identity, as he continues to draw strength from his heritage.
Outside of the ring, Orie is an ambassador for Aldi and is known for his charismatic media appearances. He lives in Birmingham with his partner, Sophie Rushton, and remains grounded, despite his rising fame. He credits his success not just to his athletic ability, but to his unwavering determination and the support of those around him.
Delicious Orie’s journey is a powerful reminder of how perseverance and adaptability can lead to success, even when life throws unexpected challenges. From a boy who faced racial prejudice in Russia, to a young man whose basketball dreams were dashed, to now a boxing champion representing Great Britain on the global stage, Orie’s story is an inspiration to many. As a Nigerian who overcame the odds, his journey has motivated aspiring athletes and individuals striving to make their mark in the world.
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