Claressa Shields wants to become a mom and have a baby with Papoose in 2026
The couple had “already planned out” their immediate parenting future.
The boxing champion Claressa Shields is prepared to become a mother.
The undisputed middleweight world champion and two-time Olympic gold medalist recently talked candidly about her personal plans to start a family on The Pivot podcast.
The 30-year-old Shields disclosed that she and her partner, rapper and businessman Papoose, are getting ready to have their first child together in 2026.
With confidence, Shields revealed, “I’m going to have a baby next year.” “It was already planned out. I will give birth to a child next year.
Motherhood is something that the Flint, Michigan native, who is considered by many to be among the best female boxers of all time, doesn’t want to put off until the end of her boxing career. Rather, she is designing a plan that enables her to manage both her family and her sport.
“And 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,” Shields stated, describing her plan to alternate between being a mother and competing in the ring.
“I don’t want to wait until I’m forty, forty-three, or whatever, after my career, to have my kids,” she continued. “I would like to be able to run with my children at the park and do other activities like that. I do not wish to become too old.
Shields also mentioned that she has a significant advantage heading into this next chapter because of her clean and healthy lifestyle. “I believe that maintaining my physical fitness—I abstain from alcohol and tobacco—will also benefit me in the future when I’m dealing with life-altering issues or other challenges.”
A world-class athlete and a loving parent, Shields is known for her discipline both inside and outside the ring. Her candor about her family’s objectives demonstrates her desire to lead a whole, balanced life.
She is embracing the next phase of her life with Papoose by her side, using the same tenacity and approach that have made her a legendary figure in boxing.
