If “stickin’ by my man” were a person, Claressa Shields’ name would no doubt be called thanks to the way she loves Papoose! From a permanent ink gesture to clocking trolls about his pending divorce, Shields goes IN for her boo. While their relationship is often a viral topic, she never shies away from spotlighting her love for Pap. That said, here are five times she’s defended their romance for the world to see and take notes!
1. When She Addressed Tension Between Pap, Remy Ma & Their Divorce
In December 2025, Claressa Shields had social media users sounding off after she spoke about his divorce from Remy Ma. At the time, Charlamagne had invited Claressa to join Papoose’s interview on ‘The Breakfast Club,’ and questions about his divorce from Remy Ma emerged. When DJ Envy expressed that he’d like the ex-couple to fix their friendship, Claressa jumped in.
“That takes time. It’s a divorce. It’s not something that just happens overnight, but people life don’t stop because of that. It’s papers, it’s time, it’s stuff that gotta happen, but at the end of the day, we move forward with our lives,” Claressa Shields told TBC hosts. Pap jumped in at that point saying, “Like I said, I wish her the best..” and Claressa added, “Yeah, for sure.”
2. When Claressa Shields Dismissed Talks Of Papoose “Financially Using” Her
In March 2026, Claressa made it clear that Pap is minding her heart, not her pockets! While interviewing with ‘The Breakfast Club,’ online narratives of him “using her” for her money came up in conversation. Charlamagne Tha God repeated, “rumors that Papoose is with [her] because Claressa takes care of him…gives him money.” The champion boxer appeared offended by such talk. Instead, she clarified that despite her boxing coins, Pap does his part financially and without question!
“That’s how they paint out narratives. But I will tell you something, though: Pap pays my mortgage. Pap pays my car insurance, and my car note. And what else does he do? I haven’t paid for a flight or for a hotel in I don’t know how long — that’s a man right there!”
#1
3. When Claressa Shut Down "Dating A Married Man" Narrative
Most recently, Shields caught some backlash after correcting Atlanta radio personality, Mz. Shyneka Richardson. During a press interview for her fight with Kaye Scott, Mz. Shyneka asked the boxer, “How much longer are you willing to be in a relationship with somebody’s husband?” Claressa immediately defended herself, saying she’s not dating anyone’s husband. She’s dating a separated man, she emphasized.
“Well, pause. ‘Cause that’s not somebody’s husband. Papoose filed for divorce. Y’all hate to say that word, but it’s the word that’s out there. He filed for divorce because he’s serious about me. So, I’m not with somebody’s husband and if you’re going to call him her husband, make sure you call her his wife and also hold her accountable for what she’s doing in her life,” Claressa Shields said.
Also, Claressa suggested Papoose should be given the same alleged grace that Remy Ma has been extended after moving on. “So don’t make it seem like it’s just one-sided. I’m not with somebody’s husband. I’m with the man who filed for divorce, who’s serious about me, who’s done things for me that I’ve done for him. So that’s not what it is,” Shields added. Claressa later doubled down on her stance and went harder on Mz. Shyneka, who eventually clapped back by teasing a Remy Ma interview.
#2
4. When Claressa Said She's Putting Her Career On Hold For Papoose
Claressa Shields’ interview with Mz. Shyneka wasn’t the only one that sparked internet reactions about the boxer’s relationship in July. She also appeared on ‘The Pivot Podcast,’ where she talked about why she plans to put her career on hold in 2026. Her and Papoose are allegedly planning to have a baby. She shared that she doesn’t want to put motherhood on hold only to be too old to enjoy it with her children.
In August, fans sent warnings her way after she doubled down on her baby plans. As previously reported, she told Cam Newton that Pap asked about having a child together and she’s on board. “I’m putting my career on hold,” she told Newton in the viral clip.
#3
5. When Claressa Claimed Papoose's Daughter As Her Own
And when it comes to Claressa defending her love for Papoose, it doesn’t end with him! The care and consideration she feels for her man appears to extend to the people he loves, too. Namely, his daughter Dejanae Mackie! Earlier this month, Dejanae clapped back at online users, calling her a “flip-flopper.” Such comments came about after Dejanae appeared in footage kicking it with her dad’s girlfriend. Claressa also immediately jumped to her “stepdaughter’s” defense.
“They be mad about nothing.” Shields said, “This my stepdaughter what the f**k you want me to do about it? He just showed up and he had kids. His kids is my step kids.”
