Rory McIlroy has ruled out ever swapping golf for boxing because he does not want to get punched in the face for a living.

A day after winning the BBC Sports Personality of the Year Award, he addressed a possible future career change. The question came while attending the Anthony Joshua versus Jake Paul fight on Friday night.

Asked by the BBC whether he fancied ever giving boxing a try, as the American has over recent years, McIlroy replied: "No. Absolutely not. I'm very happy to play golf for a living. I don't want to take punches for a living."

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The Northern Irishman described himself as a "big fight fan" before the bout, backing Joshua to knock out 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 was back in the United States of America hours after attending the BBC Sports Personality of the Year ceremony on Thursday night. Recalling the "quick turnaround", he said: "Flew from Manchester this morning at about 9am, landed, went home, freshened up and then came here."

However, he did not bring the trophy along with him, though. He said: "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 has a home with his wife, Erica Stoll, on Jupiter Island, located approximately 90 miles north of Miami in Florida. Stoll stayed in the United States with their daughter, Poppy, while McIlroy was in Manchester.

He mentioned both of them after accepting the award. 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."