Rory McIlroy, the Northern Irish golf star, made headlines recently by attending Anthony Joshua’s boxing match against Jake Paul just a day after winning the BBC Sports Personality of the Year award in Manchester. Despite his whirlwind schedule and passion for boxing, McIlroy confirmed he has no plans to transition from golf to the boxing ring.
Following a remarkable year that included victories at the Masters and the Ryder Cup, McIlroy was crowned Sports Personality of the Year earlier this week. Less than 24 hours later, he flew to Miami to witness Joshua’s knockout win against Paul. The match took place on Saturday, where Joshua delivered a sixth-round knockout that left Paul with a broken jaw, requiring surgery and restricting him from eating for a week.
McIlroy’s Commitment to Golf
When asked if he would ever consider stepping into the boxing ring, McIlroy was unequivocal. “No. Absolutely not,” he told BBC Sport. “I’m very happy to play golf for a living. I don’t want to take punches for a living.” His focus remains firmly on his golf career, where he continues to thrive.
McIlroy’s attendance at the fight underscores his deep interest in boxing. He traveled from Manchester to Miami on Friday morning, eager to catch the action live. Living in Florida, where he purchased a luxurious 12,800-square-foot mansion for £7.6 million from former PGA star Ernie Els, has allowed him the opportunity to enjoy major sporting events when he is not competing.
Joshua’s Future Plans
As for Anthony Joshua, the heavyweight champion is preparing for a busy schedule ahead. Following his victory over Paul, he is expected to return to the ring in the spring before a highly anticipated matchup with Tyson Fury during the summer.
The fight against Paul was marked by its unusual dynamics, with the YouTuber-turned-boxer often dancing around the ring and avoiding engagement. Ultimately, Joshua’s power was on full display as he knocked Paul down four times, securing a decisive victory.
As McIlroy continues to achieve success on the golf course, his passion for sports remains evident. Whether watching boxing or competing in tournaments, he is a prominent figure in the world of athletics.
