Former Olympic and Commonwealth boxer Delicious Orie (Del) has joined Chartered Financial Planning firm Attivo’s Financial Planning Academy.
The Team GB British sports star won gold medals at the 2022 Commonwealth Games and the 2023 European Games. He made his professional debut last year but then retired from boxing at the age of 28.
He told the BBC: "I wanted to pull out before the boxing exposed me. I turned pro for the money, I needed the money, only to realise that money gives you a little bit of happiness, it really does, but it gives you zero fulfilment. Nothing. You feel nothing."
Mr Orie said he is a person who likes a target and a goal and wants to achieve that and gets a real sense of fulfilment. "It took me to step away from millions of pounds to realise that that's it. The whole point of life is to chase."
He will now chase a career as a Chartered Financial Planner by combining on-the-job training at Attivo’s Cheltenham HQ while continuing to study for his Financial Planning certification.
He has already achieved his Level 4 Diploma in Regulated Financial Planning (DipPFS), and is now working towards his Level 6 Advanced Diploma in Financial Planning. His goal is to be fully trained and competent as a Financial Planner by the end of the year.
Del Orie of Attivo. Source: Instagram
Longer term, Mr Orie said he is keen to use his platform as a Chartered Financial Planner to champion the importance of financial education and responsibility among young people.
He said: “The opportunity to become a professional athlete was something that I just simply could not turn down, and it enabled me to have eight great years of travelling around the world and working with people from every background imaginable. But I’m incredibly excited for this next chapter in my life being a part of the Attivo team.
“With a degree in business and economics, finance has always been something that I’ve been passionate about. Financial Planning brings together everything I care about - economics and meaningful human connection. It’s a path where I can use my experience, discipline, and genuine interest to help people make confident decisions about their financial futures.”
Attivo said Mr Orie’s journey “is a powerful reminder that great planning, whether in finance or sport, is about preparation, strategy, and staying the course.”
Jo French, CEO, Attivo said: “Del’s enthusiasm for Financial Planning is clear as soon as you meet him. He’s going to be a real value add – for himself, for Attivo, and for the world of Financial Planning more broadly.”
Founded in 2005, Attivo is headquartered in Cheltenham, with offices in London, Cardiff, Darlington, Fareham, Harrogate, Liverpool, Reading, and Grangemouth.