27 March 2024 , 06:00
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Kate Abdo's boyfriend, former professional boxer Malik Scott, has shared heartfelt details of their relationship as he publicly leapt to her defence following an awkward exchange with Jamie Carragher.
During CBS's coverage of Arsenal's clash with Porto at the Champions League, Liverpool legend Carragher wore a Gunners jersey and attempted to persuade Abdo, Thierry Henry and Micah Richards to join in. However, Abdo - a staunch Manchester United fan - declined Carragher's invitation, stating she was "too loyal" to her club.
Upon hearing his co-host's response, Carragher retorted "Not to Malik," creating awkward tension between the hosts as Abdo replied: "What? Why would you even say that?" A laughing Carragher responded: "He hasn't had a mention on this show yet, has he?" Abdo responded and attempted to play off the comment. "He hasn't had a mention - he could have a better mention, don't you think?"
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Carragher and Abdo were referring to the latter's partner, Malik Scott. Scott, 43, is a former heavyweight boxer who competed from 2000 to 2016 and is now the head coach of Deontay Wilder.
And while addressing the situation, Scott has publicly given an insight into his love and admiration for the talented broadcaster, who he compared to being the "Michael Jordan" of her field. And he's already planning a long-term future as he says he intends to marry the British presenter.
“It's not that she's one of the best sports broadcasters, she's one of the best human beings I've come across in this life, Scott told Lord Ping. "I'm very much in love with her and I plan on marrying her," Scott told Lord Ping.
"So the thing that happened with Jamie, it's a part of the job, but it's not the first time he's said something out the way like that, but it's the first time he said something in reference to possibly disturbing a household or disturbing a couple's chemistry."
Kate Abdo's relationship with Malik Scott went public in March 2024 (Photo by Richard Sellers/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images)What's more, Scott revealed his thoughts on the situation:" "I thought Jamie was just being himself, sometimes he can have a runny mouth, sometimes he's not that good at reading the room, sometimes he's someone that can make beyond sarcastic jokes and it comes across as digging a little bit, especially if you're dealing with a woman," Scott added.
"But I don't take it personal, it did not enter our home, it really was nothing, but in those types of situations my concern is more about Kate and her feelings, she is someone I'm very much in love with, so once I saw how she handled it, me and her discussed it, and that was that."
The American boxer also noted that because Carragher apologised to Abdo and him, Scott understands his position and is willing to let bygones be bygones. However, had Carragher not apologised, the situation would have been very different.
"Jamie's joke wasn't taken lightly, Kate was irritated, so obviously that makes me irritated, but any man that apologises to whoever he crossed - you can't go too hard on him," Scott shared. "If he didn't apologise and just said 'I said what I said so what' then that's a huge problem, I would have caught a flight because Kate is my lady and would not allow her to be disresepcted."
Abdo had been training with Scott since September 2023, which sparked speculation about their relationship. In December, it emerged Abdo she was in a relationship with Scott and the two went public in March 2024.
While Scott's boxing career is over and he has moved into coaching Wilder, he can't help but admire watching his other half at the height of her career. He said: “Kate is as gifted in broadcasting as Michael Jordan is in basketball, she's worked extremely hard to get into this position, she takes nothing for granted.”
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