Honestly, if you had told me a couple of years ago that the "GWOAT" (Greatest Woman of All Time) and the king of Brooklyn lyricism would be the internet’s most talked-about couple, I would’ve probably laughed. It’s a wild crossover. Boxing and hip-hop have always been cousins, sure, but Claressa Shields and Papoose? That’s a combination nobody saw coming.
The internet has been in a literal frenzy. Between the messy screenshots, the Instagram Live sessions, and the constant back-and-forth with Remy Ma, the actual human connection between Shields and Papoose often gets buried under the "shade" and the memes. But here’s the thing: while social media is busy arguing about divorce timelines and "home-wrecking" labels, these two are out here building a life—and a business empire—that’s surprisingly sturdy.
How the GWOAT Met the King of Bars
It wasn't some Hollywood-style setup. It was boxing.
Claressa recalled on The Breakfast Club that they first crossed paths at the Shakur Stevenson fight in July 2024. Papoose, being the gentleman he is, walked up and shook her hand. Claressa’s reaction was classic Flint, Michigan: "Who the f–k shakes hands?" Most people are either too intimidated to talk to her or they’re doing too much. Papoose was just... respectful.
That respect turned into a DM. Claressa invited him to her next fight in Detroit. He actually showed up. By the time they went on their first date in New York, the chemistry was undeniable. She calls him a "good guy." He calls her his "diamond." It sounds simple, but in the world of high-stakes celebrity relationships, simple is rare.
The Elephant in the Room: The Remy Ma Situation
We have to talk about it because everyone else is.
The relationship went public in late 2024, and it wasn’t exactly a "soft launch." Papoose’s estranged wife, Remy Ma, basically blew the lid off the whole thing by leaking text messages. It was chaotic. For months, the narrative was that Claressa was the reason for the split.
But if you listen to Papoose, the marriage with Remy had been over long before Claressa entered the picture. He filed for divorce in May 2025, claiming he’d been trying to end things privately for the sake of their daughter, but that the process was being stalled.
Shields has been blunt about it too. She’s not here for the "side piece" narrative. She’s stated repeatedly that she and Papoose are together every single day, they love each other, and they aren't hiding. The drama even escalated to the point where 50 Cent—never one to miss a chance for a viral moment—started trolling them on New Year’s Day 2026. Claressa’s response? A swift "STFU" to Fif, reminding him that she makes millions to fight while he’s just "regurgitating lies."
More Than Just Romance: A Power Partnership
It’s easy to get distracted by the gossip, but look at the numbers.
Since they’ve been together, Claressa’s business game has leveled up. She recently signed a massive multi-fight deal with Wynn Records that could see her earning $15 million. She calls Papoose her "cheat code."
- He’s not her manager (he’s made that clear).
- He is her advisor, her protector, and her sounding board.
- He’s the one she calls when she needs to navigate a $3 million signing bonus.
Think about it. Papoose has been in the music industry for over 20 years. He knows how to read a contract. He knows when someone is trying to exploit a talent. Having that kind of experience in her corner has allowed Claressa to focus on what she does best—dominating the ring—while the business side stays tight.
They’re even making music together. Papoose recently confirmed on XXL that they’ve been in the studio. Is Claressa going to be the next big rapper? Probably not. But the synergy is real.
The "Family First" Game Plan
What most people get wrong is thinking this is some fleeting "rebound" for Papoose.
Claressa is already talking about the future. Like, really talking about it. In July 2025, she revealed on the Pivot podcast that they have a "baby plan" for 2026. She’s 30 now and doesn’t want to wait until she’s 40 to have kids. Her plan is to finish her next few fights, have a baby, get back in shape, and then go for more world titles.
And then there’s the ink.
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In December 2025, she showed off a tattoo of Papoose’s name near her right breast. She did it while the relationship was still private, a secret move in her hometown of Flint. To her, it’s a precursor to marriage. She told Justin Laboy, "Me and Pap are not married yet, but we will be."
Why This Bond Actually Works
The public sees the "mess," but if you look at their interactions—even the funny ones, like the viral 2026 video of Claressa cooking a very basic dinner for him—there’s a genuine tenderness there.
Papoose looked at that plate of rice, spinach, and plain white bread and called it "amazing." That’s love. Or survival. But mostly love.
He provides a peace that Claressa says she’s never had. For a woman who spent her whole life fighting—literally and figuratively—to have a partner who is "protective" and "doesn't want to hear about her being hurt" is a massive shift. He’s the superhero to her GWOAT.
Actionable Insights for the Fans
If you're following the Shields-Papoose saga, keep these things in mind to cut through the noise:
- Watch the Fights, Not Just the Feeds: Claressa’s next two or three fights are the most important of her career financially. Papoose will likely be the one walking her out to the ring, as he did for the Danielle Perkins fight.
- Expect a 2026 Hiatus: If the baby plans stay on track, expect a gap in her boxing schedule starting mid-to-late 2026. This isn't retirement; it's a strategic break.
- Ignore the "Divorce" Rumors: Until the courts in New York finalize the paperwork between Papoose and Remy Ma, there will be clickbait. Don't fall for the "he's still married" trap—the legal process is just slow.
- Look for the "Bars on Wheels" Project: Their creative collaborations are dropping under this banner. It's the best place to see their chemistry without the filter of a gossip blog.
The reality is that Claressa Shields and Papoose are two people who found each other at a time when they both needed a fresh start. Whether the internet likes it or not, they’re moving as a unit. And in both boxing and hip-hop, that’s a dangerous combination.