Rory McIlroy firmly stated that he would never consider switching from golf to boxing due to his reluctance to endure physical blows as a profession. Following his recent win of the BBC Sports Personality of the Year Award, the topic of a potential career change arose as he attended the Anthony Joshua versus Jake Paul fight.
When asked by the BBC if he had any interest in pursuing boxing like some other athletes have done, McIlroy responded with a definitive “No.” He expressed his contentment with playing golf professionally and emphasized his aversion to the idea of being a punching target.
Prior to the fight, the Northern Irishman, a self-proclaimed boxing enthusiast, predicted a victory for Joshua over Paul, citing Joshua’s advantages in reach, height, and experience. McIlroy quickly flew back to the U.S. after the awards ceremony and acknowledged the rapid turnaround, sharing details of his journey from Manchester.
Despite his award win, McIlroy did not bring the trophy with him, choosing to leave it at home. He described his whirlwind schedule as both hectic and rewarding, reflecting on the enjoyable moments of the past few days.
Residing in Jupiter Island, Florida, with his wife Erica Stoll and daughter Poppy, McIlroy expressed gratitude for his family’s support during his acceptance speech. He credited the public for choosing him as the BBC Sports Personality of the Year and thanked his loved ones for their unwavering backing.
Looking back on his successful year, McIlroy mentioned his achievements at Augusta and the Ryder Cup, expressing his appreciation for the recognition and support he has received. He concluded by expressing hope for another successful year ahead and extended his gratitude to everyone involved.