Boxing trainer Malik Scott and iconic presenter Kate Abdo have got married - and they celebrated with a very suitable wedding cake. Former boxer Scott and CBS Sports presenter Abdo, who stars alongside Thierry Henry, Jamie Carragher and Micah Richards for their Champions League coverage, tied the knot in a private romantic ceremony over the weekend. Abdo wore an elegant, off-the-shoulder white dress with a fitted bodice for the ceremony. While Scott wore a black patterned suit with no shirt underneath. The pair opted for a close-knit celebration with the wedding setup radiating an intimate and romantic atmosphere. Malik's children were present for the ceremony - with the happy couple posing for photos with the trainer's son and daughter after the nuptials. Abdo's wedding vows also coincide with a new format for the Champions League group stage. The expanded competition will now see teams compete in a general league phase across the board, rather than simply in eight groups of four with the top two progressing.
A Boxing Ring Wedding Cake
But despite the number of glamorous elements at the pair’s wedding, it’s their wedding cake that’s captured people’s attention. Posting a snap of it on his story, Scott showed their boxing ring cake. The ring has figurines of the couple stood in the middle. Scott is in boxing attire, clutching a belt. Meanwhile, Abdo, who also celebrated her 43rd birthday over the weekend, was in a white wedding dress. Their hands also featured in the snap, showing off their new wedding rings. They appear to both have each other’s names on their respective bands, written in diamantes. And it turns out the boxing ring emulates the one Scott first trained in. Posting a picture of the two of them cutting it, Scott - who trains Deontay Wilder - wrote: “My wife had this special cake made for our wedding day. “She had them design the cake out of the exact boxing ring I was raised up in 'ABC GYM' in North Philadelphia. “If it wasn’t for Fred Jenkins teaching me about life and boxing as a kid I’m sure I would not be here today.. “So this cake is a stong symbolism of True Love, Tough times, resilience, craft, etc.. “@kateabdo this cake is still crazy to me baby, thank you.”
A Mountaintop Ceremony and Fan Reactions
The newlyweds also shared pictures of them taking their vows in front of a scenic mountain backdrop on, as Scott described it, 'the most perfect' wedding day. However, fans were quick to take to social media to offer their 'condolences' to Thierry Henry given the on-going joke that he is in love with the presenter. One social media user wrote: 'Keep Uncle Titi in your prayers in these tough times. Kate Abdo just got married'. Another wrote: 'Kate Abdo got married. Someone check on Thierry Henry.' While one user said: 'Kate Abdo got married… my GOAT deserves better anyways'.
The Thierry Henry Connection
The joke about Henry being in love with Abdo stems from their on-screen chemistry and playful interactions on the show 'CBS Sports' where both are prominent figures. Abdo is a sports presenter and Thierry Henry is a former footballer and pundit. Their banter and apparent mutual respect often led to playful speculation among fans and viewers that Henry had a soft spot for Abdo. Meanwhile, Abdo and Scott have garnered public interest due to their relationship, particularly because of their respective high-profile careers in sports media and boxing.
A Look at the Couple's Careers
Abdo, a seasoned sports journalist, is well-known for her work with CBS Sports, while Scott has earned his reputation as a professional boxer and trainer for heavyweight boxer Deontay Wilder. Abdo has had a diverse and successful career in sports broadcasting and is known for having a great on-screen rapport with Jamie Carragher, Micah Richards and Thierry Henry. Born in Manchester, England, Abdo initially worked with networks such as Sky Sports and Fox Sports before making her mark in the United States. She is widely recognised for her work as the host of CBS Sports' coverage of the UEFA Champions League. Abdo's career took off when she became a regular presenter on Sky Sports, focusing on European football and other major sporting events. But it was her fluency in Spanish, German, and French that made her stand out. The 43-year-old presenter worked across global platforms, covering events like the Ballon d'Or, where she conducted interviews with elite athletes in multiple languages.
Malik Scott's Boxing Journey
Meanwhile Scott, Abdo's husband, has a rich history in professional boxing. Born in Philadelphia, Scott was a heavyweight fighter who had a notable, albeit sometimes under-the-radar, career in the ring. Known for his technical skills, Scott compiled a professional record of 38 wins, 3 losses, and 1 draw over his two-decade career. Though he never won a world title, he fought against some high-profile opponents, such as Dereck Chisora and Luis Ortiz. What has elevated Scott's standing in the boxing world in recent years is his role as a trainer. Most notably, he has become the head coach of Deontay Wilder, deemed as one of the most powerful punchers in heavyweight history. Scott took over training duties for Wilder ahead of his trilogy bout against Tyson Fury in 2021, following Wilder's split from longtime trainer Mark Breland. Though Wilder ultimately lost the fight, Scott was praised for his tactical approach and the improvements Wilder showed in the ring, especially in terms of footwork and defense. Scott and Wilder's partnership has continued, with Scott guiding Wilder in his comeback fights. However, Wilder's career remains at a crossroads following two successive defeats.
The Unlikely Couple
The relationship between Abdo and Scott has sparked curiosity, given their different but overlapping worlds. While Abdo's role in sports media is rooted in football, she has also covered boxing events, which may have been how the two initially crossed paths.