Olympic boxer Delicious Orie has shocked fans by revealing he could make a dramatic career switch, with the Team GB star admitting he has a ‘huge decision to make’.
The super-heavyweight boxer – who was born in Moscow before moving to England aged seven – was one of his country’s biggest hopes heading into the Paris Games this summer.
His Olympic dreams were eventually dashed when he was beaten by Davit Chaloyan after the judges scored the fight 3-2 in the Armenian’s favour, with Orie disclosing that he was ‘absolutely gutted’ by the controversial result.
The 27-year-old’s talent is undeniable, however, and he remains a target for top promoters in the boxing world as he works towards turning professional.
But a sensational U-turn could change all that. In an interview with Sky Sports, Orie explained that he has received an offer from the WWE which has the potential to tempt him into the world of wrestling.
Olympic boxer Delicious Orie has shocked fans by revealing he could make a dramatic career switch
The super-heavyweight boxer was one of his country’s biggest hopes heading into the Paris Games this summer
His Olympic dreams were eventually dashed when he was beaten by Davit Chaloyan with the judges scoring the fight 3-2 in the Armenian’s favour
He said: ‘I’ve been invited to potentially join the WWE so, as mad as that sounds, I just went out there to see what it’s all about.
‘It was a fantastic experience. I learnt so much over the few days I was there and it’s definitely something I’ve got on the table as an option.’
Orie joked that he initially thought the message from the wrestling giant was a ‘scam’ before he worked out it was the real deal.
‘I got the message over the Olympic Games and at the time I wasn’t really looking at my messages or anything like that – I was purely focussed on the Games.
‘Afterwards I was on holiday – that’s when I slowly started to reply and get to know who’s messaged me and stuff and I see the message.
‘Initially I just thought it was a scam and then I looked more into it and it was legit.
‘They said, “We see your potential and we would like to work with you”.
‘Ultimately I have a decision to make. It’s not a decision I’m taking lightly – it’s something I’ve really got to take my time on to decide because at the end of the day this will shape my whole career and really influence it.
The 27-year-old’s talent is undeniable, however, and he remains a target for top promoters in the boxing world
Orie joked that he initially thought a message from the WWE was a ‘scam’ before he worked out it was the real deal
Anthony Joshua has inspired Orie, but the 26-year-old boxer is looking to surpass his hero
‘It’s going to be huge [his decision]. I’m in a stage now where I’m waiting for the offers. This is including the WWE as well – looking at the contract and seeing what’s expected from me from the promoters and the WWE side, the wrestling side.
‘I just want to have all the options on the table so then I can make my full decision because whatever it is I decide to do I’m going to give it my full 100 per cent commitment and sacrifice everything to be the best at that.’
The Wolverhampton-based fighter could become part of NXT’s recent recruitment push as they seek more global stars for the WWE programme, which looks to find the organisation’s next breakout star.
During his time at NXT recently, Orie was able to meet two of the legends he would have been watching on TV when he was younger.
Shawn Michaels is a coach at the performance center, ‘It’s crazy to meet him. I also got to meet Booker T who is another wrestling legend as he works as a commentator for NXT.’
The offer is certainly represents a quick turnaround following his disappointing exit from the Olympics in July.
After the result of the bout was announced, Orie said: ‘I can’t believe it myself. I’m absolutely gutted, but I have to take it on the chin and move on.
‘For the past eight years I’ve always dreamed about winning a gold medal at the Olympic Games and now it’s been taken away from me. I just feel like I’ve let myself and my family down.’
Delicious Orie pictured (right) during his fight against Davit Chaloyan (left) at Paris 2024
Orie raised his right hand at the end of the fight and appeared to believe that he had won it
The Wolverhampton-based fighter could become part of NXT’s recent recruitment push
Orie added: ‘I can’t believe it because I’m sure I did enough. It’s too soon for me to start saying it’s unfair although I do feel hard done by.’
Standing at 6ft 6ins and of Nigerian heritage, the boxer has inevitably drawn comparisons with Anthony Joshua – but his coach Mick Maguire is on record saying his man can actually go on to ‘surpass’ what AJ achieved.
‘That’s the aim,’ admitted Orie. ‘I see what he has done and it has given me the motivation to be able to replicate that and surpass him. I wouldn’t be in the sport if I didn’t think I’d be better than him or be the best. It is either zero or everything.’