COMMONWEALTH GAMES
By
Neil Moxley DELICIOUS ORIE was star-struck.
England’s super-heavyweight hopeful was sparring with Anthony Joshua – the man who inspired him to take up the sport.
He was in the ring for the first time with the former world champ but could not bring himself to land one on his idol. He was just taking the punishment – and enjoying it.
Orie, 25, said: “It was 2016 when I heard about AJ for the first time. I didn’t know anything about boxing – amateur or professional.
“But I researched his career and the fact he was able to become world heavyweight champion after taking up the sport at the age of 18 gave me inspiration.
Mature
“I loved my time at school. I channelled my competitive streak in sport through basketball but I wasn’t given the chance to fulfil my dreams in America. I needed something else. I researched who had done it in the past, how heavyweights tend to mature later. I just thought with this physique, which I had from basketball, I can make something happen.
“It was because AJ was able to do it, it was because he was living proof of what can be done that I’ve come into it.
“He came into it late, he became Olympic champion and then heavyweight champion of the world in such a short space of time.
“I mean this in the nicest way possible – I thought, ‘If he can do it, why can’t I?’ I was 18 years old before I threw a punch, walked into a boxing gym or skipped.
“Mike Tyson said that everyone has a plan – before they take a smack in the mouth – but I was willing to go through it all.
“And the first time I was hit in the face, it wasn’t nice. But I went through it. I knew that if I dedicated myself to it, I could succeed.
“I’ve made sacrifices. I was studying for my degree in economics and management at Aston University. I lived on campus and when everyone else would be going out, I’d be off for a run at midnight.
“I didn’t have time for all the social activities normal students do. I had to dedicate myself to boxing.
“So when I finally got into the ring with AJ, I was like a fan-boy. I was star-struck.
“He was hitting me and
I was thinking to myself,
‘This guy got me into boxing’. I wasn’t even exchanging shots.
“But as the weeks went by he was on the world level, one that I aspire to. He’s a great role model. They always say, ‘Never meet your idols’. But AJ has got time for you.”
Born in Moscow, Orie moved to England when he was aged seven after his Nigerian father, Justin, was attacked on a bus in a racist incident.
He said: “During this Commonwealth Games, I want to push the narrative that England is the land of opportunity.
“Other countries – eastern Europe – however hard you work, because of the colour of your skin, doors will be locked.
“I don’t care how many people say England is racist – they haven’t been to other countries, they haven’t seen anything.
“I’ve been given this platform and it’s a privilege to be involved.”