The romance between boxing champion Claressa Shields and rapper Papoose has captivated fans, unfolding not with a loud announcement but through a series of subtle hints and soft-launch moments. What began as whispers in 2024 has evolved into a public partnership with clear future goals, including starting a family.
From Fan to Partner: How Shields and Papoose Connected
The story of Claressa Shields and Papoose started in 2024 at a Shakur Stevenson boxing match. It was there that Papoose, already a fan of Shields' work in the ring, approached her. Notably, at this time, Papoose and his wife, rapper Remy Ma, were already separated. This initial meeting laid the groundwork for a connection that would soon become the subject of public speculation.
Their relationship remained under the radar until December 2024, when it was thrust into the spotlight. Remy Ma publicly announced her split from Papoose and made allegations of an affair, sharing what she claimed were private text messages between Papoose and Shields. This sparked a social media firestorm. Shields responded on her Instagram, presenting additional messages and accusing Papoose of letting false narratives spread. Papoose countered, alleging years of infidelity from Remy Ma.
Going Public: Major Milestones in Their Relationship
The couple moved past the initial controversy and began to publicly solidify their partnership. A significant moment came in February 2025, when Papoose took on the role of Shields' escort, walking her to the ring for a major fight. This visible show of support was a clear statement. Around the same time, during an Instagram Live session, Shields gushed about their bond, stating, "His support is very different than what I had in the past... We deserve each other." They also celebrated Valentine's Day with a romantic getaway to Hawaii.
By March 2025, Shields was ready to speak openly in a formal interview on The Breakfast Club. She addressed the complicated start head-on, expressing her security in the relationship. "I feel very secure with him because he's proven himself to me. When someone is honest from the start, there are no secrets," she explained. She also extended an olive branch to Remy Ma, stating she held no ill will.
Future Plans: A Family and Lasting Love
The most exciting revelation about their future came in July 2025 during an appearance on The Pivot podcast. Claressa Shields announced that she and Papoose were actively planning to start a family, aiming to welcome their first child in 2026. "I'm going to have a baby next year. We already planned it out," she declared, outlining a plan to return to boxing after childbirth and potentially have more children. She emphasized her desire not to wait until her 40s, wanting to be an active parent.
The couple celebrated a major personal milestone in September 2025, marking their first anniversary. Both Shields and Papoose shared heartfelt tributes to each other on Instagram, reflecting on a year of love and partnership. Shields' post called Papoose her "rock" and "partner in crime," while Papoose noted how quickly time had flown with his "Olympic gold medalist girlfriend."
This timeline, from a quiet meeting at a fight to planning for a child, shows a relationship that has navigated public scrutiny to build a strong, forward-looking partnership. With Papoose's divorce from Remy Ma finalized in May 2025, the path is clear for Shields and Papoose to focus on their shared future.
