RORY MCILROY says he has no intention of swapping the golf course for the boxing ring – despite racing halfway around the world to watch Anthony Joshua’s knockout win against Jake Paul.
The Northern Irishman, 36, has had a whirlwind year after winning the Masters and Ryder Cup.
McIlroy’s sensational 2025 was capped off by being crowned BBC Sports Personality of the Year earlier this week.
But, just over 24 hours after collecting his award in Manchester, he was in Miami to watch Joshua’s showdown with Paul.
McIlroy has revealed that he is not set for a major career change – despite being a huge boxing fan.
When asked whether he would entertain a bout, he told BBC Sport: “No. Absolutely not.
“I’m very happy to play golf for a living. I don’t want to take punches for a living.”
McIlroy jetted from Manchester on Friday morning, hours after his SPOTY triumph, to be among the A-listers in attendance for Joshua’s controversial fight with Paul.
The golf icon was unwilling to miss the chance to watch the clash on his own doorstep.
He lives in Florida, after buying a 12,800-square-foot mansion for £7.6million from legendary PGA star Ernie Els.
BEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERS
And McIlroy’s lifestyle in the United States means that he has been able to watch huge boxing matches when he has been away from the course.
He was ringside when Joshua broke Paul’s jaw with a sixth-round knockout in the early hours of Saturday.
The bizarre match-up saw the YouTuber-turned-boxer, 28, dancing around the ring and not engaging for lengthy periods.
But AJ floored Paul four times and the American is now unable to eat for a WEEK after undergoing surgery.
Joshua, 36, is planning to return to action in the spring before a blockbuster summer bout with Tyson Fury.
Jake Paul vs Anthony Joshua – latest reaction
Jake Paul down four times before Anthony Joshua wins
Anthony Joshua beat Jake Paul in a Netflix superfight in Miami – but viewing fans were not impressed with what they saw.
The two-time heavyweight champion was expected to steamroll the former YouTuber but it took him SIX rounds to get rid of the game American.
Paul was down four times in the fight but fans, commentators and even the referee criticised the pair for a lack of action and punches thrown.
Joshua called out Tyson Fury after the fight while Paul revealed he had suffered a gruesome broken jaw.
JAKE PAUL VS ANTHONY JOSHUA – ALL THE LIVE REACTION
LATEST NEWS & REACTION
