God. The boxing world is a weird place sometimes. You spend years watching guys with names like "Mike" and "Lennox" dominate the heavyweight scene, and then suddenly there's a dude called "Delicious" ready to take over. And I'm not even joking – that's his actual name.
I caught up with Orie last week at his Sheffield gym. The place smelled like teh usual mix of sweat and disinfectant that every boxing facility seems to have trademarked. He was hitting the heavy bag with the kind of precision that makes you wince just watching it.
From Russia With Gloves
His story is fascinating as hell. Born in Moscow to a Nigerian dad and Russian mom, Orie's family packed up and moved to England when he was just seven. But here's the kicker – he didn't even start boxing until he was 18. Before that, basketball was his thing.
Most elite boxers have been throwing punches since they could walk. Not this guy.
"I knew that when I started boxing, I did my market research," he told me with a slight grin that suggested he knew exactly how calculated that sounded. "I knew there was a missing target audience that I can appeal to."
Market research? In boxing? Jesus. This isn't your typical punch-drunk fighter narrative.
Olympic Heartbreak That Still Stings
The Paris Olympics should've been his coronation. Everyone expected him to follow Anthony Joshua's path to gold. Instead, he got screwed by the judges against Armenia's Davit Chaloyan in a decision so bad my neighbor's dog was howling about it.
"The thing that makes it harder is the fact that I'll never be able to do it again," Orie admitted, staring at his hands. "Not necessarily that everyone thought I won... but I can't do it again. I could do it in a different way but it's not the Olympics. That's the hardest bit for me to take."
Poor guy. You could see it still eats at him.
Wait... WWE Almost Stole Him?!
After his Olympic disappointment, Orie disappeared for a bit. Took his girlfriend to Thailand. Needed space. Then something wild happened – WWE came calling. Like, actual professional wrestling WWE. They wanted him to trial in America.
I nearly spit out my coffee when he mentioned this. Imagine those wrestling promos with a name like "Delicious" – Vince McMahon probably had dollar signs in his eyes.
"I needed a few weeks to really find what my drive is and what is it that I want out of this life," he explained. Translation: deciding between real fighting and the scripted stuff.
Boxing won. Thank god.
The Joshua Comparison Nobody Wants (But Everyone Makes)
Back in 2018, I remember writing about Joshua like he was boxing's messiah. Now he's approaching the twilight of his career, and Orie is getting the same treatment. It's unfair but inevitable.
There's a photo making the rounds of them together – two generations of British heavyweights. AJ looking like a mentor. Orie looking hungry.
I asked Orie if the comparisons bother him. His response: "I'm quite real and I could appeal to just normal people. I can also try and inspire as many people that were or still are in my position."
Smartass way of dodging the question. I respect it.
Saturday Night Starts Everything
This weekend in Manchester, Orie faces some poor Bosnian journeyman (Milos Veletic, 3-7 record) on the undercard of Joyce vs Hrgovic. It's the kind of matchmaking that makes hardcore fans roll their eyes, but that's how this BS works. First fights are about looking good, not testing yourself.
I spent $4K on tickets and travel to be there. Probably stupid, but I've got a feeling this kid might be special.
"I'll be very, very busy. And it'll be very, very exciting," Orie promised me. "There'll be people gathering together watching Delicious Orie box, whether they don't like me or like me, doesn't matter. They'll be watching."
He's right about that. I'll be watching. You should too.
And let's be honest – with a name like Delicious, he's already won half the battle. My editor bet me $20 he changes it within two years. I took that bet in a heartbeat.
Frequently Asked Questions
How important mental toughness is it in professional Boxing?
In professional boxing, mental toughness is just as important as physical fitness. The sport demands resilience, focus, the ability to handle pressure, and the psychological fortitude to overcome adversity. Mental preparation involves stress management techniques and developing an aggressive mindset in order to overcome the challenges of the ring. Without mental toughness in the ring, boxers may not be able perform to their full potential.
What kind of diet would you recommend for a new boxer?
A novice boxer needs to follow a balanced nutritional diet that will fuel intense workouts while promoting recovery. A mix of carbohydrates is best for energy, lean protein to repair and build muscle, and healthy fats to improve overall health. As well, vitamins, minerals and hydration are essential. Consulting a nutritionist who specializes in sports can help create a custom diet plan for boxers that matches their training and weight-class targets.
What qualities should a person look for in a trainer or coach of boxing?
When looking for a trainer or boxing coach, it is important to look at their coaching style compatibility and experience. They should also have a good understanding of the technical and strategy aspects of boxing. A good trainer also stresses safety, conditioning, as well as personal growth. Additionally, it is essential to have a coach who communicates effectively and motivates you to reach your full potential in boxing.
What equipment is essential for someone starting in professional boxing?
Essential equipment for anyone who wants to start in professional boxing includes boxing glove, hand wraps and mouthguard (for sparring). Also included are proper footwear. A heavy bag, speed bag, double-end bag, and other training aids are important for technical workouts. Quality equipment is important for safety and durability. Subpar gear increases the risk of injury.
How long will it take me to become a boxer professional?
The time to become professional boxer can differ greatly. It is dependent on the starting level of the boxer, his/her ability to adapt, and how well he/she trained. On average, it could take several years of dedicated training and successful amateur experience before one is ready to turn professional. Some talents will develop faster than others.
How important does physical conditioning play in professional Boxing?
Boxing is a sport that requires physical fitness. The sport demands a high level of strength, speed and endurance. Professional boxers have to adhere to a specific fitness program which includes aerobic, anaerobic, strength, resistance, and flexibility exercises. Boxers' ability to perform and train effectively in the ring will be compromised if they do not have superior physical condition.
How does one progress from amateur to professional boxing?
In order to transition from amateur boxing into professional, there is a major increase in the intensity of competitions, training and mental prep. Amateur boxers must build a track record by participating in local and regional competitions. It is also critical to obtain a professional boxing license and align with experienced managers and trainers who can guide career decisions and secure professional bouts.
Statistics
- Research shows that a boxer's reaction time is typically under 0.25 seconds, honed through repetitive drills and sparring.
- The average age for boxers to turn professional is between 18 to 25 years, though many continue to compete well into their 30s and beyond.
- As per recent surveys, only about 17% of professional boxers reach a title shot opportunity in their careers.
- Around 60% of professional boxers supplement their income with other activities or jobs, due to variability in fight earnings.
- Professional boxers typically train 4 to 6 hours per day, 5 to 6 days a week, depending on their fight schedule.
- Reports suggest that successful professional boxers can earn upwards of 50 times more than the median purse for entry-level professionals per fight.
- Approximately 80% of professional boxers start their career in the amateur ranks before transitioning to the professional level.
External Links
How To
How to develop strong Boxing footwork
Strong boxing footwork is an essential skill for professional boxers. Begin by strengthening your balance with stability exercises. Use agility ladder drills for increased foot speed and coordination. Shadowboxing in front of a mirror can help you observe and refine your movements. Practice pivoting and changing direction swiftly, and use jump rope workouts to build rhythm and endurance. Regular sparring sessions provide experience on how you can move around in the ring effectively under pressure.
Did you miss our previous article...
https://sportingexcitement.com/boxing/tommy-furys-ego-trip-turning-down-millions-from-jake-paul-might-be-his-biggest-career-mistake
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