Olympic boxer reveals he could make shock career change – as Team GB star admits he has ‘huge decision to make’

Olympic boxer Delicious Orie has shocked fans by revealing he could make a dramatic career change, with the Team GB star admitting he has a ‘huge decision to make’.

The super-heavyweight boxer – born in Moscow before moving to England at the age of seven – was one of his country’s biggest hopes heading into the Paris Games this summer.

His Olympic dreams were ultimately dashed when he was defeated by Davit Chaloyan after the judges scored the fight 3-2 in the Armenian’s favour, with Orie revealing he was ‘absolutely gutted’ by the controversial result.

However, the 27-year-old’s talent is undeniable 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 that could entice him into the world of wrestling.

Olympic boxer Delicious Orie has shocked fans by revealing he could be making a dramatic career change

The super-heavyweight boxer was one of his country’s biggest hopes heading into the Paris Games this summer

His Olympic dreams were ultimately dashed when he was defeated by Davit Chaloyan, with the judges scoring the fight 3-2 in favor of the Armenian.

He said: “I was invited to possibly join the WWE, so as crazy as that sounds, I just went there to see what all the fuss was about.

‘It was a fantastic experience. I learned so much in the few days I was there and it’s definitely something I have on the table as an option.”

Orie joked that he initially thought the wrestling giant’s message was a “scam” before finding out it was the real deal.

“I got the message through the Olympics and at the time I wasn’t really looking at my messages or anything like that; I was purely focused on the Games.

‘After that I was on vacation – then I slowly started replying and finding out who messaged me and stuff, and I see the message.

‘At first I thought it was a scam, then I looked into it further and it turned out to be legit.

‘They said, ‘We see your potential and would like to work with you.’

‘Ultimately I have to make a decision. It’s not a decision I make lightly; it’s something I really need to take my time to decide because ultimately this will shape and really influence my entire career.

However, the 27-year-old’s talent is undeniable 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 finding out it was the real deal

Anthony Joshua has inspired Orie, but the 26-year-old boxer wants to surpass his hero

“It’s going to be huge (his decision). I am now in a phase where I am waiting for the offers. This includes the WWE – looking at the contract and seeing what’s expected of me from the promoters and the WWE side, the wrestling side.

“I just want to have all the options on the table so I can make my full decision because whatever it is I decide to do, I’m going to give it my 100 percent and sacrifice everything to be the best at it. .’

The Wolverhampton-based fighter could become part of NXT’s recent recruitment drive as they look to bring in more global stars to the WWE program as it tries to find the organisation’s next breakout star.

During his time in NXT recently, Orie was able to meet two of the legends he would have seen on TV when he was younger.

Shawn Michaels is a coach at the performance center: “It’s crazy to meet him. I also met Booker T, another wrestling legend who works as a commentator for NXT.”

The offer certainly marks a quick turnaround after his disappointing exit from the Olympics in July.

After the fight result 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 have always dreamed of winning a gold medal at the Olympic Games, but now that has been taken away from me. I just feel like I let myself and my family down.”

Delicious Orie pictured (right) during his fight against Davit Chaloyan (left) in Paris 2024

Orie raised his right hand at the end of the fight and seemed to believe he had won it

The Wolverhampton-based fighter could become part of NXT’s recent recruitment drive

Orie added: “I can’t believe it because I’m sure I’ve done enough. It’s too early to say it’s unfair, even though I feel strongly about it.’

At 6ft 11in tall and of Nigerian descent, the boxer has inevitably drawn comparisons to Anthony Joshua – but his coach Mick Maguire says his man can actually ‘outdo’ what AJ has achieved.

“That’s the goal,” Orie admitted. “I see what he has done and it has given me the motivation to be able to repeat that and surpass him. I wouldn’t be in the sport if I didn’t think I could be better than him or be the best. It’s zero or everything.’