Rory McIlroy has firmly dismissed the idea of ever trading his golf clubs for boxing gloves, explaining he has no desire to earn a living by taking punches. The day after being crowned BBC Sports Personality of the Year, McIlroy was questioned about a potential career switch while attending the Anthony Joshua versus Jake Paul fight.

When asked if he would consider stepping into the ring as the American YouTuber-turned-boxer has done, McIlroy responded: “No. Absolutely not. I’m very happy to play golf for a living. I don’t want to take punches for a living.”

The Northern Irish golfer, who described himself as a “big fight fan,” had predicted a knockout victory for Joshua over Paul, albeit earlier than the sixth round. He said: “Look, I commend Jake for taking this fight; he’s very brave, but I can’t see past AJ.

“The reach advantage, the height advantage, the experience. I’m a big fight fan, and I can’t see any other result than an early knockout by Joshua.”

McIlroy had flown back to the United States just hours after attending the BBC Sports Personality of the Year ceremony on Thursday night. Reflecting on the whirlwind schedule, he said: “Flew from Manchester this morning at about 9am, landed, went home, freshened up and then came here.”

However, he did not bring his newly won trophy with him. He explained: “I haven’t [brought it with me], no. No, I left that at home. It’s a quick turnaround, but a great couple of nights.”

McIlroy resides with his wife, Erica Stoll, on Jupiter Island, roughly 90 miles north of Miami in Florida. While McIlroy was in Manchester, Stoll remained in the United States with their daughter, Poppy.

Upon receiving the award, he acknowledged both of them. McIlroy said: “Wow. First of all, I’d like to congratulate all the other finalists here tonight. It’s a pleasure to just be in this room along with so many dedicated people, and I feel truly honoured to be a part of it.

“2025 has been the year that I made my dreams come true. From Augusta to the Ryder Cup and everything else in between, it really has been the year that dreams are made of.

“I’ve a lot of people to thank: firstly, the public for voting me as your BBC Sports Personality of the year. My family, my Mum and Dad: they sacrificed so much for me.

“My wife Erica, my daughter Poppy – they’re what holds me together, my rocks. And to the BBC for hosting these awards. I remember growing up looking forward to this night, watching it on TV, seeing who’s going to win.

“I’m very honoured to get my hands on this trophy behind me. Hopefully, I can challenge it again next year. Thank you, everyone, it truly is an honour.”