Fresh from a triumphant night in Manchester, golf superstar Rory McIlroy has made it abundantly clear that a career in the boxing ring is not on his horizon. The Northern Irishman, who won the BBC Sports Personality of the Year Award for 2025, swiftly travelled to Miami to watch the high-profile bout between Anthony Joshua and Jake Paul.
From SPOTY Glory to Ringside Views
Just hours after accepting his prestigious award on Thursday night, McIlroy embarked on a transatlantic journey. He flew from Manchester to his Florida home on Friday morning, before heading to the fight venue in Miami. Describing the "quick turnaround", McIlroy confirmed he did not bring his newly-won trophy with him, leaving it safely at home.
When questioned by the BBC at the fight about whether he would ever consider following Jake Paul's lead and swapping his golf clubs for boxing gloves, McIlroy's response was immediate and definitive. "No. Absolutely not," he stated. "I'm very happy to play golf for a living. I don't want to take punches for a living."
A Fight Fan's Prediction
Despite his personal aversion to stepping into the ring, McIlroy is a self-confessed "big fight fan". Before the contest, he shared his prediction, firmly backing British heavyweight Anthony Joshua to secure a victory. He cited Joshua's reach, height, and experience as decisive factors.
"I commend Jake for taking this fight; he's very brave, but I can't see past AJ," McIlroy said. "I can't see any other result than an early knockout by Joshua." His prediction proved accurate, with Joshua winning the fight.
A Dream Year and Family Thanks
McIlroy's attendance at the boxing match capped off an extraordinary 24 hours that began with his emotional SPOTY win. During his acceptance speech, the golfer reflected on a dream year that included major victories and the Ryder Cup.
He paid heartfelt tribute to his family for their support, mentioning his wife, Erica Stoll, and their daughter, Poppy, who remained at their Jupiter Island home in Florida during his UK trip. "They're what holds me together, my rocks," he said of his family.
McIlroy also thanked the public for voting for him and expressed his childhood nostalgia for the awards ceremony, which he watched on television growing up. With the trophy now in his possession, he ended his speech on an optimistic note, hoping to challenge for the award again next year.
