Professional boxers Kirstie Gannaway and Abdelelah Karroum tie the knot, wedding party to follow

Kirstie Gannaway, 33, is a professional boxer and martial arts instructor who has won six professional boxing fights and is an Asia-Pacific boxing champion (WBO). The half Singaporean and Australian boxer recently tied the knot with Abdelelah Karroum (better known as Abdou) and shared the happy news on her Instagram. Like Kirstie, Abdou is an undefeated boxing champion and is a three-time Asian boxing champion (WBC, WBO and WBA) and was a former fighter on Monaco’s National Boxing Team.

We spoke to Kirstie to find out more about her proposal that led to her registration of marriage (ROM) and her plans for a wedding party abroad.

Hi Kirstie, congrats and what was your proposal like?

The proposal was such a beautiful surprise - I was completely clueless about it! I had never really pictured or thought about a proposal, so it caught me off guard in the best possible way. It made the moment even more exciting and meaningful, and looking back, I’m glad I didn’t see it coming. One small tip: Abdou was really glad he had a photographer there to capture the moment. Having those candid shots to look back on has been such a special way to cherish that memory.

How did you know Abdou is the one?

I knew Abdou was the one after we had been through a series of challenges together, facing difficult times that tested our bond. We’ve been together for nearly seven years now, and each experience has deepened our understanding of one another.

For both of us, it’s essential in a relationship to see how you handle life’s tougher moments together — I believe that’s where true connection and commitment are forged. Passing through those challenges with resilience has strengthened our relationship in ways I couldn’t have imagined. To us, that’s the real test of a relationship - how you support each other when things aren’t easy.

From sparring partner to life partner, do you see any differences made in your life with Abdelelah by your side?

Abdou has always had a profoundly positive influence on me. He’s encouraged me to become the best version of myself, to embrace self-love, and even to deepen my appreciation for my family. These are just a few of the ways he’s contributed to my growth. I also see him as a true role model. As both an athlete and a person, he embodies values I deeply respect: honour, respect, discipline, and integrity.

We’re incredibly lucky to share a passion for boxing, which has shaped both of our lives since a young age. Having someone who resonates with the principles of martial arts training means so much. Boxing is a demanding sport, but we both believe its lessons extend beyond the ring, helping us grow not only as athletes but as individuals. Being able to share this journey with Abdou has been an invaluable part of my life.

What is he like as your partner?

Abdou is naturally kind, caring, and deeply considerate, qualities he shows not only to his family and friends but also to me. Despite his reputation as a fierce, intense professional fighter, he has a calm and grounded presence. What I admire most about him is the balance he strikes - he’s confident but humble, soft-spoken yet courageous, and he genuinely cares for his own well-being.

I believe it’s important to be with someone who takes care of themselves and encourages me to do the same, allowing us to grow individually while moving forward together. Our relationship is what I would describe as interdependent: we’re committed to bettering ourselves and sharing life’s journey without relying on each other as our sole source of happiness. I think that happiness is something we must find within ourselves, and when we truly find that, we will be able to find genuine happiness together with someone else.

What was your ROM like? 

Our ROM ceremony went smoothly and had a very chill energy, which I truly appreciated. My father and his wife joined us, along with two close friends from the boxing community as our witnesses. It was lovely to see everyone dressed formally for a change — Abdou in a blue suit and me in a peach-coloured abaya.

Though my family lives overseas and couldn’t be there, having my father present made the day extra special. It was a relaxed, straightforward, and heartfelt day that we all got to enjoy together.

You wore a beautiful, demure abaya for your ROM. Was it to show respect for your partner’s religion? 

I am a Muslim, and I chose to wear an abaya as a gesture of respect and in celebration of our solemnisation here in Singapore. I’m half Singaporean, and the Singaporean side of my family is Malay. Growing up, my grandmother would always wear traditional baju kurung or kebaya for special occasions, and I wanted to honour her by wearing something that held cultural significance. I was between choosing to wear an abaya or kebaya, however I decided on this abaya for its soft colour and subtle embellishments, which felt both meaningful and beautiful for the day. 

Would you consider converting to Islam in the near future? 

I was raised in a family with diverse religious backgrounds: my mother’s side, from Singapore, is Muslim, while my father’s side, from Australia, is Catholic. My parents chose not to impose a particular religious path on my brother and me, leaving it up to us to decide our beliefs. Growing up, I was always intrigued by my grandmother’s devotion to Islam and the way she practised her faith. When I met Abdou in 2017, I saw how important his religion was to him, which sparked my own curiosity to learn more.

I began attending courses, learning about Islam, and started fasting during Ramadan. Although the idea of converting came up a few years ago, I wanted to make sure it was a decision for myself, not influenced by or for anyone else. I took about three years to thoughtfully consider my choice before ultimately deciding to convert. One of the things I truly appreciate about Abdou is that he never pressured me about this — he gave me the space to explore and decide on my own, only speaking about Islam if I came to him with questions. In fact, when I told him that I had arranged an appointment to convert and would need him as a witness, he was caught by surprise!

Will you be throwing a wedding party, and if so, where? 

We’re currently in the midst of planning our wedding - it feels like a full-time job, but in the best way! Since all our family is overseas, we’re considering holding it abroad. Most of Abdou’s family, which is quite large — he has four sisters, a brother, and thirteen nieces and nephews — and they usually gather in Morocco once a year. Though Abdou is from Corsica, France, he’s of Moroccan descent, so Morocco feels like the perfect place to celebrate.

I’ve never been to Morocco, so I’m thrilled to experience it for the first time and to embrace Moroccan culture. But what we’re most excited about is bringing our families together — they will be meeting for the first time. For us, that will be the heart of this wedding: creating a space where both sides can connect and celebrate together.

What’s it like being a married woman now?

It still feels a little surreal to say we’re husband and wife, but it’s been such a joyful and fulfilling experience. This new chapter in our lives is exciting, and we’re embracing it fully by cherishing every moment. I’m truly grateful to have found someone like Abdou, with whom I share such a deep connection. I’m excited for all the memories we’ll continue to create together.

What are your plans for the future? 

I’ve decided to step back from competing for now. While I absolutely love boxing, the demands of professional competition have taken a toll on my body. As a woman, competing at that level requires a significant mental and physical investment. My current focus is on training to keep enhancing my boxing skills, which is my true passion, but with a greater emphasis on health, wellness, and longevity. Boxing remains an incredible way for me to stay sharp both mentally and physically.

Abdou and I also hope to start a family in the near future, inshaAllah, but for now, we’re savouring this time together. We’re making the most of these moments and continuing to pursue what makes us happiest right now.