Anthony Joshua got here via his huge check towards ex-UFC champion Francis Ngannou on Friday evening – however his successor is already able to step up into the skilled ranks.
That is the splendidly named Delicious ‘DJ’ Orie, who hopes to observe in AJ’s footsteps by profitable Olympic gold for Team GB earlier than attaining world domination. The pair have sparred collectively, and each got here to boxing very late, with Orie beginning aged 18, in addition to sharing Nigerian heritage.
“The biggest thing I’ve learned from AJ is that anything is possible,” Orie says. “I’ve also learned that one of the biggest things in your career is who you have around you.
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“What’s your primary goal? Is it the big commercial deals or just reigning as heavyweight champion of the world for as long as you can? It really matters who you listen to. I’m not saying he’s made any right or wrong decisions because I don’t know him well enough personally to say that, but there are lots of things I’ve taken from his career.”
Born in Moscow to a Nigerian father and Russian mom, Orie’s household moved to London to flee racism and to hunt a greater life when he was seven. It is a exceptional backstory, however boxing didn’t flip Orie’s life round – or maintain him out of bother.
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“The way I see it, you don’t have to be a brute to become a champion,” says Orie. This scrapper is an A* scholar at A-Level and holds a first-class honours diploma in Business and Management.
“In boxing, you don’t have to come from a background where you’re disobedient in school and can’t pay attention, because I wasn’t that kind of person. Sometimes you’ve got to grit your teeth and fight but I’m trying to push out the message that as long as you are dedicated and focused, you can achieve great things in this sport.”
Every British tremendous heavyweight boxer that has competed on the Olympic Games has gained a medal. Orie is hoping to develop into the seventh to succeed in the rostrum on the largest stage and is the subsequent cab off the rank within the division, constructing on the legacy of Joshua – who knocked out Ngannou in spherical two in Saudi Arabia final week – Audley Harrison, David Price, Joe Joyce, and Fraser Clarke.
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Orie is being guided by GB Boxing supremo Rob McCracken, who coached Joshua via the skilled ranks till they cut up in 2022.
“Rob understands me,” stated Orie. “Outside the ring, he’s seen talent from the beginning, and he knows how to polish that talent and make it the finished article. I’ve got full confidence in him, and the team and I know I’m part of the best programme in the world.”
Orie has an evangelical perception in conserving issues easy, devoting each waking thought to how he may enhance his ring craft.
“I have three big square meals every day with some protein shakes in between,” stated Orie, who’s supported by grocery store ALDI. “It’s the identical habits all through each week. If I’m not fascinated by what I’m selecting to eat, I can concentrate on my coaching and what’s actually necessary.
(Image: Richard Pelham / NOPP)
“I have two pairs of black jeans and a few white tops. It keeps it simple; I’m not thinking about what to wear. I go to the barber and ask for the same haircut every time.”
Orie, who describes his combating type as ‘controlled aggression’, secured his place in Paris via a formidable victory at June’s European Games in Krakow. He is dead-eyed in his plan to win Olympic gold, flip skilled instantly after and begin the highway to turning into heavyweight champion of the world.
“My parents are my reason why,” he stated. “They’ve struggled all their lives, but they have made sure that I was okay to give me a solid foundation. I need to make sure I do everything I can to succeed and make them proud, but I’m making sure I’m making Great Britain proud as well.”
Aldi are proud Official Partners of Team GB & ParalympicsGB, supporting all athletes via to Paris 2024