Boxing champion Claressa Shields offered a candid look at her family plans with partner Papoose, including her hopes for the gender of their first child, during a recent interview. Shields, who has been open about her personal life alongside her athletic career, said starting a family is one of her highest priorities in 2026.
Shields, a two-time Olympic gold medalist and undisputed world champion, spoke with Fight Hype about balancing motherhood with her boxing ambitions. “100% I’m having a baby!” she said emphatically when discussing her plans with Papoose.
Family Planning and Timing
Shields said she wants to complete her next few fights before welcoming her first child. “I just want to get my two, three fights out the way and then I want to start my family,” she told the outlet. “Then after that… I can get back in shape and fight some more.”
When asked about the sex of their future baby, Shields made it clear that health comes first. She said she hopes the baby is healthy, but added that since Papoose wants a boy, she is “happy to have a lil’ Pap too.”
Shields’ comments reflect her intent to remain active and engaged as both a professional athlete and a mother. She previously told The Pivot podcast that she doesn’t want to wait until her late 30s or 40s to raise children. “I want to be able to run at the park with my kids and stuff like that,” she said. “I don’t want to be too old.”
Shields emphasized her lifestyle choices, such as not drinking or smoking, as factors that will help her through pregnancy and the physical changes ahead. “I think keeping my body in shape… that will also help me too.”
Shields also acknowledged questions about marriage. Appearing on The Sherri Shepherd Show, she said tying the knot with Papoose is “definitely in our future,” but insisted the proposal must be memorable. “He gotta plan that cause that gotta be BIG!” she told the host.
The couple’s plans come amid public interest in their relationship following Papoose’s separation from rapper Remy Ma. Though that situation drew media attention, Shields has remained focused on her career and future family goals.