Delicious Orie savours taste of victory after claiming gold medal in Birmingham

Delicious Orie turned his focus to emulating Anthony Joshua after surviving a rough-and-ready Commonwealth Games final against Sagar Ahlawat to become England’s latest super-heavyweight boxing gold medallist.

The Birmingham 25-year-old lost the first round on all five judges’ cards before rallying to claim a unanimous decision victory and take the hosts’ final gold medal count to two on the final day of competition at the NEC.

England heavyweight Lewis Williams also won gold, Scotland trio Reese Lynch, Sam Hickey and Sean Lazzerini made history for Scotland, Welsh duo Rosie Eccles and Ioan Croft also topped the podium, and there were an incredible five gold medals for Northern Ireland.

But the conclusion of the competition belonged to Orie, who slugged desperately through the final round, repelling the Indian’s lumbering advances and leaving his opponent nursing a bloody cut around his left eye.

“I might have been doubted but I will always prove people wrong,” said Orie. “I am so proud to be English and representing England, and I can’t wait for the Olympics in Paris.”

The 6ft 6ins Orie, who was born in Russia and came through a gruelling battle in order to secure his UK passport last year, becomes the latest in a long line of home-nation stars in the sport’s heaviest division, none more so than Joshua.

The sky is the limit. My inspiration has always been Anthony Joshua, and what he has achieved is the bare minimum. I am the next generation and we are going to excel.- Delicious Orie

Orie, who has trained with Joshua in Sheffield, added: “The sky is the limit. My inspiration has always been Anthony Joshua, and what he has achieved is the bare minimum. I am the next generation and we are going to excel.”

Leamington