Claressa Shields wants to have a baby with Papoose next year [VIDEO]

GWOAT to GOAT Mom? Claressa Shields and Papoose Plan for Baby in 2026

This week, the undefeated boxing champion Claressa Shields appeared on The Pivot Podcast and made a personal, powerful announcement. Revealing she and rapper Papoose plan to have a baby in 2026. The 30-year-old two-time Olympic gold medalist and current undisputed heavyweight champ told hosts, “I’m gonna have a baby next year. We already had it planned out.”

Known as the “GWOAT” (Greatest Woman of All Time), Shields emphasized that motherhood doesn’t mean retirement—it’s simply the next round. “After I go through my stuff, then I’ll come back and fight some more—and probably have another one,” she added with a laugh during her interview.

Her revelation set social media on fire, with fans, critics, and celebrity pages all weighing in.

Love Ringside: Claressa Shields and Papoose’s Relationship

Shields and Papoose, born Shamele Mackie, publicly confirmed their relationship in late 2024—just as his marriage to Remy Ma was falling apart. After Remy allegedly leaked texts between the pair, Shields addressed the situation on The Breakfast Club, stating, “Pap is like my best friend. I talk to him about everything.”

Despite online speculation, Shields has doubled down on the strength of their bond. Papoose has also been seen ringside at her fights and even performed during her walkout at her July 2024 match against Vanessa Lepage-Joanisse. On Instagram, Shields affectionately posted, “My man, My man, My man 😍 ❤️ 🔥.”

Their relationship has not been without controversy, but the couple appears committed, aligned, and unbothered.

Claressa Shields Boxing Career: Titles, Records, and Olympic Greatness

Born March 17, 1995, in Flint, Michigan, Claressa Maria Shields is widely regarded as one of the most decorated and dominant fighters in boxing history. With an undefeated record of 16-0 (3 KOs), Shields is the only boxer—male or female—to simultaneously hold all four major world titles (WBA, WBC, IBF, and WBO) across three different weight classes.

As of 2025, Shields has won 17 major world championships spanning five divisions, including:

• Undisputed Middleweight Champion (twice: 2019–2020, 2023–2024)
• Undisputed Light Middleweight Champion (2021)
• WBC and IBF Super Middleweight Titles (2017–2018)
• WBO Light Heavyweight Champion (2025)
• Undisputed Heavyweight Champion (2025–present)

She is also the fastest fighter in history to become a two, three, four, and five-division world champion, achieving those milestones in record time. In February 2025, she defeated Danielle Perkins to claim the undisputed heavyweight crown, solidifying her legacy even further.

Recognized as the #1 pound-for-pound female boxer by ESPN, The Ring, and BoxRec, Shields has twice been honored as Female Fighter of the Year (2018, 2022) by the Boxing Writers Association of America.

Olympic Gold and MMA: A Combat Sports Trailblazer

Before dominating the professional ranks, Shields carved out one of the most impressive amateur careers in American sports. At just 17, she won the U.S. Olympic Trials in 2012 and qualified for the London Olympics, the first Games to feature women’s boxing. She made history by becoming the first American woman to win an Olympic gold medal in the sport. Four years later, she repeated the feat in Rio, making her the first U.S. boxer—male or female—to win back-to-back Olympic golds.

Shields also stepped into the cage in 2021, signing with the Professional Fighters League (PFL) and competing as a professional mixed martial artist, proving she’s not afraid to challenge herself in any combat arena.

On July 26, 2025, she returns to the ring to defend her heavyweight titles against Lani Daniels at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit. She’s also in talks for a possible legacy showdown with Laila Ali, to whom she recently tweeted:

“I’m the GREATEST NOW! You not a better boxer than me.”

Claressa Shields and Papoose: Baby on Deck

During the podcast, Shields explained why she isn’t waiting until her boxing career winds down to become a mother. “I don’t want to wait till I’m 40 or 43… I want to be able to run at the park with my kids,” she said. She also credited her healthy lifestyle—no drinking, no smoking—as part of her readiness for pregnancy, per‽web:1.

X lit up with reactions. @SaycheeseDGTL posted, “Claressa Shields says she and Papoose are having a baby next year… and maybe another one 🤰🏽🥊.” One fan added, “The GWOAT about to be a GOAT mom. Let’s gooo!”

Social Media Reacts: “The GWOAT Is Building a Legacy”

Fans and followers flooded X with takes. @ArtOfDialogue_ posted, “Claressa Shields reveals she and Papoose plan to have a baby next year,” while @wayupwithyee celebrated the news with, “She says she and Papoose are planning to have a baby next year 🍼💞.”

Others saw deeper implications. “Claressa and Papoose building a legacy, love it,” wrote one user. But not all reactions were celebratory. @AkademiksTV stirred the pot, writing, “Remy Ma is crashing out because Papoose is moving on with a fertile 30-year-old Claressa Shields.”

As always, the internet had jokes, love, and drama ready.

Celebrity Baby Fever: 2025’s Baby Boom

Shields isn’t alone in sharing baby news this year. 2025 has been filled with celebrity baby announcements, including:

• Coi Leray and Trippie Redd welcomed daughter Miyoco in March
• The Game and Shaniece Hairston confirmed son Blaze Taylor’s birth in January
• JT of City Girls teased a potential pregnancy in May (unconfirmed), per Vibe

These moments show a shift in hip-hop and sports culture—where starting a family is just as on-brand as signing an endorsement deal.

And like tennis legend Serena Williams, Claressa Shields proves that elite athletes can bounce back—literally and figuratively—after baby.

A New Family in Entertainment

Shields’ announcement blends sports, culture, and love in a way few athletes ever do. It marks a new phase not just for her career, but for her life—and fans are here for it.

• For boxing fans: It’s proof that Shields is chasing greatness inside and outside the ring.
• For hip-hop heads: It’s a fresh start for Papoose, post-Remy Ma.
• For everyone else: It’s a rare celebrity couple move that feels genuine, strategic, and inspiring.

Whether you’re watching for the next knockout or the baby bump, this story is a defining moment in Shields’ legacy.