Claressa Shields Reveals Baby Plans with Papoose for Next Year

Boxing champion Claressa Shields is gearing up for a new kind of fight—motherhood.

During a revealing sit-down on The Pivot Podcast, the 29-year-old two-time Olympic gold medalist and undisputed world champion shared that she and her partner, rapper Papoose, are planning to start a family in 2026. Shields, known for her fierce discipline inside the ring, approached the announcement with the same level of focus and intention that’s defined her career.

“I’m gonna have a baby next year,” Shields said matter-of-factly. “We already had it planned out.”

But make no mistake—this isn’t a retirement announcement. Shields emphasized that her motherhood journey is part of a larger blueprint that includes a return to boxing, and possibly even more children down the line.

“After I go through my stuff, then I’ll come back and fight and fight some more, and then probably have another one and then do the same thing again,” she explained.

Shields also opened up about the timing behind her decision. “I don’t want to wait till I’m 40, 43, whatever, after my career, to have my kids,” she said. “I want to be able to run at the park with my kids. I don’t want to be too old.”

She pointed to her healthy lifestyle—including not drinking or smoking—as an advantage that will help her navigate the physical changes of pregnancy. “Keeping my body in shape… I think that’ll also help me too when I’m going through this whole body and life changing stuff.”

For a woman who has spent her life mastering footwork, timing, and strategy, this next chapter is no different. Shields is once again on the offensive—this time planning for life outside the ropes, while ensuring her legacy inside them remains intact.

From world titles to toddler steps, Claressa Shields is ready for both.