There are few things that annoy a fighter more than a journalist advising them to retire. Frankly, how dare they publish their opinions about the life of another, after never experiencing anything like the life they’re so opinionated about.
Yet when journalists are doing so it is nearly always because they care and not because they’re wishing to spoil anyone’s fun. They have witnessed many boxing careers go full circle as promising amateurs slowly but surely evolve into worn out professionals and, thus, the experienced boxing journalist is generally a good judge on when a boxer is straying into dangerous territory, at least in terms of long-term health.
Derek Chisora is an obvious case in point from my own perspective. Having studied heavyweight history for many years and seen first-hand what happens in later life to those who take too many blows to the head, it has been my belief for several years that Chisora should walk away. Again, that opinion derives from a good place after interviewing him many times over the years, seeing his highs and lows from ringside, and – more so – understanding what his young family means to him.
Chisora will argue, with solid reasoning, that if he’d walked away after the second consecutive head-scrambling loss to Joseph Parker in 2021 he wouldn’t have secured the money-spinning 2022 shot at Tyson Fury, nor embarked on his latest run of form that has seen him solidify his cult hero status in Great Britain.
He is living his life the way he wants to live it and notwithstanding all the fears one may have about his future there is plenty to admire about that. After all, that blinkered outlook is not only rare, it’s also what every fighter needs to do what they do.
Delicious Orie is different, however. The British heavyweight retired this week, aged just 27, with a 1-0 professional record after a hugely successful amateur career that resulted in a lucrative contract with Frank Warren’s Queensberry Promotions. The 2024 Olympian made his debut as recently as April but he wasn’t overly impressive while outhustling Mario Veletic over four rounds. The tentative nature of his performance can perhaps now be explained by an inner battle with himself.
“After much reflection, I have decided to hang up my gloves and retire from boxing to follow up my degree and enter the corporate world,” Orie stated yesterday. “The sport has given me so much – incredible memories, unforgettable experiences travelling the world and many opportunities to represent my country at the biggest stages in the world. Forever grateful for my journey.
“Over time, I’ve come to recognise that the same fire and love I once had for boxing has gradually faded. As I’ve grown, I’ve come to value clarity and honesty with myself above all.
“I hoped that turning professional would reignite the passion, but the truth has become clear: it hasn’t. Every fighter knows you need a deep love for the craft to reach the top — and without it, there’s no path forward. Out of respect for the sport and for myself, it’s time to step away with honesty.”
BoxingScene has learned that Orie was struggling for motivation even before he went to Paris where he failed to medal despite being among the favorites to do so. Refreshingly, there were no attempts to change Orie’s mind from anyone in his managerial team despite the substantial purses he could have earned.
The announcement came on the same day that Ginjiro Shigeoka underwent brain surgery following a sober collapse moments after he’d been declared a split decision loser to Pedro Taduran in Japan.
Orie’s decision is brave, wise, and to be admired. Boxing should be no place for old men who kid themselves into believing they’re forever bulletproof. It’s an even worse place for the young who have already grown to understand the truth.