Joshua's Desperate Plea: Why Delicious Orie's Boxing Exit Has Everyone Shook

By Lewis Barnett 30 May, 2025 6 mins read 52 Views

God, this one hits different.

Anthony Joshua just did something that honestly made me pause mid-scroll through Instagram. The heavyweight champ basically got on his knees (digitally speaking) to beg Delicious Orie not to throw away what could be a monster career. And honestly? I get why AJ's panicking.

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One Fight and Out? That's Cold

Here's the thing that's eating at me - Orie literally had ONE professional fight. One! Back in April, he scraped through four rounds against Milos Veletic, looked a bit rusty (which, hello, totally normal), and then just... walked away. A month later, boom. Retirement announcement.

The kid went from Olympic hopeful to Frank Warren's stable (after apparently telling WWE to take a hike - imagine that conversation) to retired faster than I change my Netflix password. It's wild.

Twenty-seven years old. That's younger than half the guys still trying to make it in regional circuits.

AJ's Instagram Intervention

Joshua's message hit me right in the feels, not gonna lie. He wrote: "History repeats itself. Many of us wanted to stop at some stage. Some at the start, some in the middle and at some point all of us will have to stop."

But then he added the kicker: "I think you should take your time but keep training! You have skills & have talent."

Coming from someone who's been through the absolute wringer - losing to Ruiz, coming back, dealing with all that pressure - those words carry weight. AJ knows what it's like when the fire dims. He's been there.

The Michael Spinks Parallel That Actually Makes Sense

Smart move by Joshua to include that old Michael Spinks interview. Spinks literally said he was "a little afraid" of the boxing business and just wanted "a good job after winning the gold medal." Sound familiar?

Spinks ended up winning world titles at light-heavyweight AND heavyweight before Tyson flattened him in '88. (Still one of the most brutal 91 seconds in boxing history, but that's another story.)

The parallel is obvious - sometimes the guys who hesitate early become the ones who surprise everyone later.

Orie's Brutally Honest Exit Letter

Look, I have to respect Orie's honesty here. His retirement statement was refreshingly real: "Over time, I've come to recognise that the same fire and love I once had for boxing has gradually faded."

He continued: "I hoped that turning professional would reignite the passion, but the truth has become clear: it hasn't."

That's mature as hell. Most fighters would just keep grinding, collecting paychecks, getting their heads knocked around without the heart for it. Orie's basically saying "I don't love this anymore, so I'm out."

Respect.

But Here's Why AJ Might Be Right...

Sometimes you need distance to remember why you fell in love with something in the first place. I've seen it happen - fighters take a year off, get that corporate job, then find themselves watching fights on YouTube at 2 AM, shadowboxing in their apartment.

The skills don't just disappear. Neither does the talent.

Plus, Orie's got something most heavyweights would kill for - legitimate amateur pedigree and youth. Even with that rough Olympic exit (first round elimination stings, but it happens), the foundation is there.

The Real Question Nobody's Asking

What if this isn't really about boxing at all?

Sometimes when fighters talk about "losing the fire," they're really talking about losing control of their narrative. The pressure, the expectations, the feeling like you're performing for everyone except yourself.

Maybe Orie just needs to step back and figure out what HE wants, not what Team GB wants, not what Frank Warren wants, not what the boxing world expects.

And you know what? If he comes back in two years hungry and focused, that might be the best thing that ever happened to his career.

Or maybe he'll become the most successful corporate executive who used to box. Either way works.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you wrap your hands for boxing?

Hand wrapping helps protect your wrists and fingers from injury. Unwind the wraps, place the thumb loop on your thumb and extend the wrap to the back of your hands. Then, wrap your wrist multiple times. Then, wrap the Velcro-fastened wrap around your arm.

Is sparring required for boxing beginners?

Beginners do not need to spar right away. This is only necessary once they have a good foundation of the basics and are in good physical condition. Under the guidance of a coach, and using protective equipment to ensure safety, it's important to spar.

Can I learn to box at home?

Although you can begin learning boxing through fitness apps or instructional videos, it is best to work with a certified coach at a gym in order to master the techniques. In addition, boxing clubs provide equipment and allow you to train with others.

Can boxing improve mental well-being?

Boxing improves mental health in many ways. It reduces stress, boosts mood, increases self-esteem, promotes discipline, and provides a sense accomplishment. The concentration required to train can also be used as a form meditation. It helps clear the brain and improves concentration.

What kind diet should an amateur boxer adhere to?

Beginner boxers must aim to consume a diet with a balance of carbohydrates, lean protein, healthy fats, fruits, vegetables, and vitamins. It is also important to stay hydrated. So, drink lots of water during, before and after training.

What are some common mistakes made by beginners in boxing?

Common mistakes include overextending punches, dropping the hands, ignoring defense, holding the breath, neglecting footwork, and focusing too much on power rather than technique. A coach with the right qualifications can help identify and correct mistakes before they become habitual.

How often can a beginner boxer expect to train?

Beginners will benefit from two to three sessions of boxing a week. Allowing time for rest, recovery and relaxation between workouts is important. As you acclimate to the sport and improve your fitness, you may gradually increase the frequency and intensity of your training.

Statistics

Research indicates that nearly 70% of punches thrown by boxers during a match are jabs.
Boxing has one of the lowest rates of injury compared to other contact sports, with approximately 1.1 injuries per 1,000 minutes of athletics.
About 25% of people who take up boxing transition to competitive amateur boxing within their first two years of training.
Studies show that proper hand wrapping can reduce the chance of hand and wrist injuries by as much as 40%.
On average, beginners who undergo proper boxing training can expect to burn anywhere from 300 to 500 calories per hour.
Approximately 50% of beginner boxers drop out within the first six months, highlighting the importance of sustaining motivation and setting realistic goals.
Nearly 80% of boxing training injuries are related to incorrect technique, especially within the first three months of taking up the sport.
Beginner boxers tend to make the mistake of holding their breath in 70% of cases during their initial training sessions.
Despite the stereotype that boxing is a young person's sport, approximately 20% of all beginners are over the age of 40.
Women are joining boxing in increasing numbers, rising by about 15% in the past decade, indicating growing gender diversity in the sport.

External Links

How To

How to Maintain Guard when Boxing

For defense, it is vital to have a solid guard. Keep your gloves up at all times, positioned in front of your face with the palms facing inward. The elbows of your arms should be close to your body. This will protect you from body and head blows. When training, always maintain your guard posture and return your arms to the same position.

Did you miss our previous article...
https://sportingexcitement.com/boxing/shes-done-playing-second-fiddle-aussie-boxer-drops-the-gloves-after-13-years