Two‑time Olympic gold medalist and undisputed boxing champion Claressa Shields has confirmed plans to start a family with rapper Papoose in 2026. The announcement came during her appearance on The Pivot Podcast, where she spoke candidly about her intentions and timing.
Shields Details Family Plan
Shields shared, “I’m gonna have a baby next year. We already had it planned out.” The statement underlines how intentional the couple’s approach to starting a family has been. She emphasized that motherhood is not a sidetrack but a strategic next step in her life.
She explained the sequence: “Once I go through my stuff, I’ll come back and fight… then probably have another one and then do the same thing again.” This reflects her plan to balance family growth with her boxing career.
Timing and Health Factors
Shields noted: “I don’t want to wait till I’m, you know, 40, 43… after my career, to have my kids. I want to be able to run at the park with my kids… I don’t want to be too old.” Her comments highlight how age and leaving ample time for physical activity with her children inform the timing.
She pointed to her disciplined lifestyle as a core advantage: “I don’t drink, I don’t smoke. I think that’ll also help me too when I’m going through this whole body and life changing stuff.” Shields credited her fitness and clean habits as key enablers as she shifts into this new chapter.
A Calculated Transition
At 30 years old, Shields continues to dominate across weight classes in boxing. Rather than pause her athletic ambitions, she plans to integrate motherhood into her path. Her careful scheduling suggests she intends to resume major fights after childbirth.
While romantic details remain private, she and Papoose have publicly acknowledged their partnership and future plans. Shields remains focused and unafraid to juggle both family and sport.