Claressa Shields flaunts “Papoose” tattoo at weigh‑in before Lani Daniels match

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Jul 25, 2025

Claressa Shields Flaunts “Papoose” Tattoo at Weigh‑In Ahead of Fight

At the official weigh‑in on July 25, 2025, ahead of her undisputed heavyweight title defense against Lani Daniels, Claressa Shields stunned fans by revealing a fresh tattoo under her breast reading “Papoose”—a tribute to her partner Papoose. The reveal sent social media into a frenzy. As Shields walked up to the stage, fans noticed her flaunting new ink. Another hint at our serious the romance between the two is becoming.

This article dives deeper into shields tattoo, her relationship with Papoose and Claressa Shields blooming career.

Claressa Shields Career: From Flint to Heavyweight Champion

Claressa Maria Shields (born March 17, 1995) is one of boxing’s most dominant figures. A two‑time Olympic gold medalist (2012, 2016) and record‑breaking pro, Shields has held 17 major world championships across five weight classes, including becoming the first boxer—male or female—to unify all four major titles (WBA, WBC, IBF, WBO) in three divisions, including undisputed heavyweight in February 2025.

The upcoming July 26 fight versus Lani Daniels marks her second fight of 2025—a chance to defend her heavyweight legacy.

Claressa Shields, Papoose, and Remy Ma: A Complicated Triangle

The Claressa Shields tattoo featuring “Papoose” didn’t just spark attention because of romance—it reignited months of speculation around her connection to rapper Papoose and the lingering shadow of his estranged marriage to fellow hip-hop icon Remy Ma.

Rumors about a love triangle began in late 2024 when internet sleuths pointed out subtle exchanges between Shields and Papoose on Instagram. But everything intensified when Remy Ma posted alleged screenshots of private messages between her husband and Claressa, seemingly accusing the two of being romantically involved. In response, Shields remained silent publicly, choosing to focus on her February 2025 heavyweight bout and training, while Papoose declined to comment at the time.

Despite the controversy, Shields and Papoose became more visibly close in 2025. Shields told online outlets in March that she was “happy and supported in ways [she] never experienced before.” In June, she confirmed she and Papoose were planning for a child together in 2026—cementing the assumption that the two were indeed in a committed relationship.

Meanwhile, Remy Ma—who has not officially confirmed a divorce—has kept her social media cryptic, posting lyrics and quotes about betrayal, loyalty, and new beginnings. Fans and blogs have debated whether the Shields-Papoose romance began as emotional overlap or if their connection happened after Remy and Papoose’s split.

Regardless, the Shields weigh-in tattoo featuring Papoose’s name now stands as a symbolic turning point. It’s not only a public display of affection, but also a message to critics, including possibly Remy herself. In doing so, Shields has once again proven that she’s unafraid to make bold, controversial statements—both inside the ring and out.

Shields Tattoo: “Papoose” Ink Surfaced at Weigh‑In

During the weigh‑in at Detroit’s Little Caesars Arena, Shields stepped on the scale at 174.6 lbs while opponent Lani Daniels weighed 170.4 lbs, per VladTV and Reuters reports VladTV. But it was her next move that drew attention: she removed her outerwear to reveal the new tattoo—“Papoose”—inked just below her breast on her rib cage.

Fans online quickly picked up on the gesture. As The Shade Room captured, she “stepped on stage hyped … flexing some new ink dedicated to Pap.” This move signaled Shields’ willingness to wear her commitment publicly: the tattoo became the focal point amid fight talk.

Celebrity Tattoos: Shields Tattoo Sparks Debate

Social media lit up with takes:

  • Some praised Shields’ openness: “That lady is in love!” one user wrote, and “Papoose better treat her right” was a recurring hope, @AltcoinMillie tweeted.
  • Others questioned the choice: “I hope it lasts cause this embarrassing,” another user commented @karbon_kredit tweeted.
  • Many speculated it was calculated, possibly aimed at Remy Ma—Papoose’s estranged wife—who previously shared controversial messages between Papoose and Shields.

The tattoo reveal sparked talk about loyalty, symbolism, and the intersection of relationships and public image.

Fight Build‑Up: Shields vs Daniels Weigh‑In Highlights

Ahead of her July 26 bout against Lani Daniels—a former IBF heavyweight champ and unbeaten in her last nine fights—Shields appeared poised and focused, entering weigh‑in confident and well within championship weight at 174.6 lbsversus Daniels’ 170.4 lbs (Reuters).

While Shields’ performance history commands respect, it was the tattoo reveal that overshadowed much of the fight chatter. As she continues to defend her legacy, the weigh‑in became an unexpected cultural moment—not just a sporting one.

Celebrity Tattoos of Love: From Faith Evans to Claressa Shields

Claressa Shields’ Papoose tattoo joins a long list of celebrity ink tributes that have made headlines—not just for the art, but for what it represents. Inking a partner’s name on your body isn’t new in celebrity culture, but when done amid public controversy, it becomes a loud, permanent statement that can echo far beyond a weigh-in.

Faith Evans and the Biggie Tattoo

One of the most iconic examples is Faith Evans, who famously had the name of her late husband Notorious B.I.G.tattooed on her chest, near her breast. For many fans, the tattoo symbolized a deep spiritual bond and permanent grief following Biggie’s 1997 murder. Despite remarrying and launching new musical ventures, Evans kept the tattoo—cementing its legacy in hip-hop history.

Other Notable Examples

  • Amber Rose once had Wiz Khalifa’s face tattooed on her arm during their marriage. After their split, she eventually covered it up with a new design.
  • Nick Cannon made headlines for a massive back tattoo honoring Mariah Carey, which he later covered after their divorce.
  • Cardi B and Offset famously tattooed each other’s names on their hands. The ink was shown off during an intimate Instagram Live, sparking fan reactions about their on-again-off-again relationship.
  • Jhené Aiko got a tattoo of Big Sean’s face on her arm at the height of their relationship, which she later had covered up after their breakup.

Multiple Meanings Behind The New Ink

The Claressa Shields Papoose tattoo intersects multiple layers of cultural meaning:

1. Romantic and Personal
For Shields, the ink isn’t just a romantic gesture—it’s public confirmation of a relationship she’s quietly nurtured through intense scrutiny. The tattoo aligns with her statements on HOT 97, where she revealed she and Papoose are “planning for a baby in 2026.” It’s more than love; it’s a life plan set in ink.

2. A Symbol of Defiance
The ink also reads as a bold clapback. In 2024, Remy Ma—Papoose’s estranged wife—allegedly posted screenshots of text messages between Papoose and Shields, igniting a firestorm of speculation and online criticism. The tattoo now appears to be Shields’ way of saying she’s unbothered by the noise and fully committed, regardless of public opinion. It’s body art turned battle cry.

3. A Cultural Statement
As a Black female boxing champion, Shields operates in a space where every move carries weight—both literally and figuratively. Her personal choices, like the Papoose tattoo, become cultural moments. For many fans, the tattoo represents ownership of love, defiance in the face of judgment, and agency in telling her own story.

Final Thoughts: Tattoo, Legacy, and Fan Connection

At its core, the story centers on Shields tattoo, several questions come to mind. Will Papoose and Claressa get married? Does Papoose have a tattoo also? Is the baby coming sooner than later? The world of entertainment is eager for the future.

Claressa Shields’ public reveal is more than body art—it’s part of a narrative about love, loyalty, legacy, and agency. As boxing fans and cultural observers watch her July 26 fight, the ink under her breast will be as much part of the conversation as her undefeated record.