Claressa Shields Husband, Career Achievements & Life Story Explained (2026)

Claressa Maria Shields (born March 17, 1995) is an American professional boxer and former professional mixed martial artist. Known as “The GWOAT” (Greatest Woman of All Time), she stands as one of the most decorated combat sports athletes in history. She has held 18 major world championships spanning five weight classes, making her an unprecedented force in women’s boxing and establishing herself as the best female boxer of all time.

Shields is the only female boxer in history to have held all four major world titles—WBA, WBC, IBF and WBO—in three weight classes. Her remarkable achievements have shattered records and redefined what’s possible for women in combat sports. She’s the only fighter, man or woman, to be undisputed champion in three different divisions in the four-belt era, cementing her legacy as a trailblazer in professional boxing.

As of August 12, 2025, she is ranked the world’s best active female light heavyweight by BoxRec, as well as the best active female boxer, pound for pound. Her journey from the tough streets of Flint, Michigan, to Olympic glory and professional dominance serves as inspiration for aspiring athletes worldwide. Beyond her athletic prowess, this American boxer advocates tirelessly for equal pay and recognition in women’s boxing.

Shields, who began boxing in Flint at the age of 11 and now is 30, was honored for her amateur career last month, when she was inducted into the Michigan Sports Hall of Fame. Her story encompasses triumph over adversity, including a difficult childhood marked by poverty and family struggles. Today, she represents hope and possibility for young athletes facing similar challenges in the combat sports world.

In July 2024, ESPN ranked her as the best female boxer of the 21st century. With an undefeated professional record and multiple accolades, Shields continues to dominate the boxing world while expanding her brand through media appearances, endorsements, and her relationship with rapper Papoose. Her influence extends beyond the ring, as she works to elevate women’s sports and create opportunities for the next generation of female fighters.

Claressa Shields Wiki / Bio Table

Who Is Claressa Shields?

Claressa Shields is an American professional boxer who has held 18 major world championships spanning five weight classes. She represents the pinnacle of women’s boxing achievement, having dominated multiple weight divisions throughout her career as an undisputed champion. Her nickname “The GWOAT” reflects her self-proclaimed status as the Greatest Woman of All Time in boxing, a title few would dispute given her unprecedented accomplishments in the combat sports arena.

As a decorated amateur, Shields won gold medals in the women’s middleweight division at the 2012 and 2016 Olympics, making her the first American boxer to win consecutive Olympic medals. At just 17 years old, she made history by becoming the first American woman to win Olympic gold in boxing at the London Olympics. This achievement launched her into international stardom and set the stage for an extraordinary professional career in the boxing world.

Shields is 17-0 as a professional, and her next fight will be Feb. 22 at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, where she’ll meet Franchon Crews-Dezurn in a highly anticipated rematch. Beyond boxing, she briefly competed in mixed martial arts with the Professional Fighters League, showcasing her versatility as a combat sports athlete. Her willingness to challenge herself in different disciplines demonstrates her fearless competitive spirit and determination.

Born and raised in Flint, Michigan, Shields overcame a challenging childhood to become one of the most recognizable faces in women’s sports. Her journey resonates with fans worldwide, particularly those from underprivileged backgrounds who see themselves in her story of resilience. She uses her platform to advocate for women’s rights, equal pay in sports, and opportunities for youth in her hometown community.

The Boxing Writers Association of America named her Female Fighter of the Year in 2018 and 2022. Her influence extends beyond athletic achievement into cultural impact, as she challenges stereotypes about women in combat sports. Through her success, determination, and outspoken personality, Shields has become a role model for aspiring female athletes across all sports, proving that women can excel at the highest levels of competition in the boxing ring.

Early Life and Background

• Shields was born and raised in Flint, Michigan, where she was introduced to boxing by her father, Bo Shields, who had boxed in underground leagues
  
• Bo was in prison from the time Shields was two to nine years old, creating instability during her early childhood and challenging family circumstances
  
• After his release, Bo talked to her about boxer Laila Ali, piquing her interest in the sport, though he initially believed boxing was a men’s sport and refused to allow Shields to pursue it until she was eleven
  
• Shields faced a tough childhood marked by poverty, abuse, and bullying in Flint’s challenging environment, which shaped her mental toughness
  
• Encouraged by her grandmother to ignore gender norms and chase her dream, she committed to the sport despite societal expectations about women in boxing
  
• At age eleven, she began boxing at Berston Field House in Flint, where she met her coach and trainer, Jason Crutchfield, who would guide her career
  
• By 2011, she had already racked up regional titles and claimed two Junior Olympic Championships, demonstrating her natural talent
  
• Shields competed in her first open-division tournament, the National Police Athletic League Championships 2011, winning the middleweight title
  
• She is the first member of her family to graduate from high school (Flint Northwestern High School), setting an important example for her siblings and community
  
• Shields was the youngest boxer at the February 2012 U.S. Olympic Trials, winning the event in the 165 lb middleweight division at just 17 years old
  

Is Claressa Shields Married?

As of 2026, Claressa Shields is not married, though she is in a committed relationship with rapper Papoose. The question “is Claressa Shields married” frequently trends online as fans are curious about her personal life and relationship status. While the couple has been dating since 2024 and celebrated their one-year anniversary in October 2025, they have not yet tied the knot, though marriage appears to be in their future plans.

Shields has been open about her relationship with Papoose, even getting his name tattooed on her body as a symbol of their commitment. She revealed on the Respectfully podcast that she’s always wanted to get her husband’s name tattooed, hinting that Papoose is “husband material” despite not being legally married yet. The Olympic champion stated they plan to get married soon, showing that while she’s not currently a wife, she envisions a long-term future with the New York rapper in their relationship journey.

Personal Life and Relationships

• Shields arrived at the Michigan Sports Hall of Fame induction followed by an entourage that included a film crew and rapper boyfriend Papoose
  
• Shields and Papoose celebrated their one-year anniversary in October 2025, with Shields posting appreciation for her partner on social media platforms
  
• Papoose (Shamele Mackie) is still legally married to rapper Remy Ma, whom he married in 2008, though their divorce is pending after separating in 2024
  
• Shields revealed on The Pivot podcast that she and Papoose are planning to welcome their first child together in 2026, marking a new chapter
  
• She explained that motherhood is something she doesn’t want to postpone until the end of her boxing career, planning to alternate between having children and competing
  
• Shields describes herself as “very submissive” to Papoose despite her tough persona in the ring, stating “I talk to my man like a king”
  
• Shields previously avoided dating celebrities, rappers, and athletes, saying she would “whip a dog’s ass” if disrespected, but Papoose changed her perspective on relationships
  
• The couple’s relationship became public in December 2024 when Remy Ma exposed their romance through social media posts, sparking controversy
  
• Shields got Papoose’s name tattooed on her right breast while their relationship was still private, later revealing it on Instagram Live to her followers
  
• Her ex-boyfriend Tony Rich was a fitness coach whom she was previously engaged to before their relationship ended
  

Despite public scrutiny and criticism regarding the timing of their relationship, Shields remains focused on building a future with Papoose. She has openly discussed wanting children with him and expressed that their relationship provides the support and love she never experienced in previous partnerships, calling him her best friend.

Career and Achievements

• In May 2012, Shields qualified for the Olympics, the first year women’s boxing was an Olympic event, and became the first American woman to win an Olympic gold medal in boxing
  
• At 17, she defeated Russia’s Nadezda Torlopova 19–12 to win gold at the 2012 London Olympics, making history in the boxing world
  
• In 2015, she became the first American woman to claim both Olympic and Pan American Games titles, showcasing her dominance
  
• At the 2016 Rio Olympics, she successfully defended her title, beating Nouchka Fontijn of the Netherlands, making her the first American boxer to win consecutive Olympic titles
  
• Shields turned professional in November 2016, defeating Franchón Crews-Dezurn by unanimous decision in her debut fight at the professional level
  
• In 2018, she claimed the vacant WBA and inaugural IBF female middleweight titles, becoming the fastest boxer ever to earn world championships in two weight classes
  
• In spring 2019, she defeated Christina Hammer to win the WBO middleweight title and became the undisputed female middleweight world champion
  
• On March 5, 2021, Shields became the first boxer in the four-belt era to hold undisputed titles in two weight classes, and the first female boxer to be an undisputed champion in two weight classes
  
• In late 2022, she defeated Savannah Marshall, earning a career-high $1 million payday and becoming undisputed female middleweight world champion for the second time
  
• In February 2025, she won the undisputed female heavyweight title, becoming the only fighter in history to hold undisputed titles in three weight divisions
  
• She competed in MMA, making her debut at PFL 4 on June 10, 2021, against Brittney Elkin, winning via technical knockout in round three of her mixed martial arts career
  
• She is scheduled to defend her undisputed heavyweight title in a rematch against Franchón Crews-Dezurn on February 22, 2026, at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit
  

Net Worth Overview

According to Celebrity Net Worth and other sources, Claressa Shields has an estimated net worth between $1 million to $5 million, though more recent estimates place it higher. Her total net worth has reached $4 million according to BetMGM, while some sources suggest it could be as high as $8 million by 2026. The variation in estimates reflects the private nature of her exact earnings and the fluctuating income from fights, endorsements, and business ventures in the boxing industry.

Shields’ career-high payday came when she defeated Savannah Marshall in 2022, earning $1 million for that single fight. This milestone represented a significant breakthrough for women’s boxing purses, demonstrating the growing commercial viability of elite female fighters. Her ability to command seven-figure paydays has helped elevate compensation standards across women’s boxing and combat sports.

Despite her unprecedented success as an undisputed champion, Shields has been vocal about the pay disparity between male and female boxers. Women fighters are paid less than their male counterparts, which is something she has campaigned to change through advocacy. Her advocacy for equal pay extends beyond personal benefit to creating better opportunities for future generations of female boxers who will follow in her footsteps in the sport.

Major Sources of Income

• Boxing Fight Purses: Earnings from professional boxing matches, including her career-high $1 million payday against Savannah Marshall and substantial purses for championship bouts and title defenses
  
• MMA Contracts: Multi-year deal with MMA organization PFL signed in 2023, with undisclosed but substantial compensation for her three fights (2-1 record) in mixed martial arts
  
• Endorsement Deals: Brand ambassador partnerships with major companies including Nike, Under Armour, Puma, Monster Energy, Swimsuits For All, Audi, and Powerade
  
• T-Rex Promotions: She created T-Rex Promotions, a platform that provides female fighters with more opportunities, helping to build their careers in the fight game
  
• Film and Media: Executive producing credits on “The Fire Inside,” the 2024 biographical film about her life starring Ryan Destiny, which chronicles her journey
  
• Speaking Engagements: Booking fees for corporate events, motivational speaking, and public appearances where she discusses overcoming adversity and promoting gender equality in athletics
  
• Social Media and Content: Revenue from her substantial social media following across Instagram (2 million followers) and other platforms where she engages with fans
  
• Community Outreach Program: The Claressa Shields Community Outreach Program, focusing on her hometown of Flint, Michigan, providing youth with opportunities through various resources
  

Luxurious Lifestyle

• Designer Shopping Sprees: Frequently shares luxury purchases on social media, including a viral $30,000 Louis Vuitton shopping trip documented in December 2025, showcasing her success
  
• Premium Vehicles: Owns luxury automobiles and is often seen posing with high-end cars, reflecting her success and status as a top athlete
  
• Exclusive Events: Attends celebrity events, award shows, and high-profile gatherings alongside her partner Papoose, the rapper from New York
  
• Hometown Support: Despite her wealth, maintains strong connections to Flint, Michigan, regularly giving back to her community through charitable initiatives and youth programs
  
• Travel and Experiences: Enjoys international travel for fights and personal vacations, experiencing diverse cultures while maintaining her training regimen for upcoming bouts
  

Hobbies and Fun Facts

• Rapping and Freestyling: Shields frequently shares rap freestyles on Instagram, showcasing her lyrical skills and creative expression beyond boxing, connecting with the hip-hop culture
  
• Fashion and Style: Known for her evolving fashion sense, often posting outfit photos and experimenting with different looks from streetwear to glamorous attire
  
• Gaming: Enjoys video games during downtime between training camps as a way to relax and decompress from the demands of combat sports
  
• Cooking: Has shared moments of cooking for Papoose, demonstrating her domestic side outside her fierce boxing persona in the ring
  
• Documentary Subject: The documentary “T-Rex” chronicles her run to Olympic gold and premiered on PBS, with a studio film about her life also in development
  

Future Prospects

• February 2026 Title Defense: Scheduled to defend her undisputed heavyweight title against Franchón Crews-Dezurn on February 22, 2026, at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit in a highly anticipated rematch
  
• Motherhood Plans: Plans to have her first baby in 2026 with Papoose, then return to boxing and alternate between having children and competing at the championship level
  
• Legacy Building: Continues working to elevate women’s boxing through T-Rex Promotions and advocating for equal pay and opportunities for female fighters
  
• Media Expansion: Growing presence in entertainment through films, documentaries, and potential television appearances beyond sports broadcasting
  
• Hall of Fame Trajectory: Already inducted into Michigan Sports Hall of Fame in 2025 at age 30 while still actively competing, positioned for international boxing hall of fame induction upon retirement
  

Impact on Social Media

Shields maintains a massive Instagram presence with 2 million followers under the handle @claressashields, where she shares training footage, personal moments with Papoose, fashion content, and motivational messages. Her social media strategy balances promoting her boxing career with authentic glimpses into her personal life, creating deep connections with fans worldwide. She’s unafraid to address critics directly, often clapping back at negative comments with confidence and humor that resonates with her audience. Her posts frequently go viral, generating significant engagement and keeping her in the public conversation even between fights. Through platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok, Shields has built a personal brand that transcends boxing, positioning herself as a cultural influencer and advocate for women’s empowerment in sports and beyond.

Social Media Profile

• Instagram: @claressashields (2 million followers)
• Twitter/X: @Claressashields (196,000+ followers)
• Facebook: Claressa Shields Official
• TikTok: Active presence with training and lifestyle content
• YouTube: Featured in fight highlights and documentary content

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is Claressa Shields married to Papoose? 

No, Claressa Shields is not married to Papoose as of 2026. They are in a committed relationship and have been dating since 2024, celebrating their one-year anniversary in October 2025. Papoose is currently going through a divorce from his estranged wife, rapper Remy Ma, but Shields has hinted they plan to marry soon.

How many Olympic gold medals does Claressa Shields have? 

Claressa Shields has won two Olympic gold medals in boxing, at the 2012 London Olympics and 2016 Rio Olympics. She was the first American woman to win Olympic gold in boxing and the first American boxer to win consecutive Olympic medals, making history in women’s sports.

What is Claressa Shields’ boxing record? 

As of 2026, Claressa Shields has an undefeated professional boxing record of 17-0 with 3 knockouts. She has never lost a professional boxing match and holds undisputed titles in three different weight divisions, cementing her status as the GWOAT.

How much money does Claressa Shields make per fight? 

Shields’ exact per-fight earnings vary, but her career-high payday was $1 million for her fight against Savannah Marshall in 2022. Her current net worth is estimated between $4-8 million from boxing purses, MMA contracts, and endorsements. She also secured an $8 million multi-fight deal with Win Records.

Is Claressa Shields planning to have children? 

Yes, Shields announced on The Pivot podcast that she and Papoose are planning to have a baby in 2026. She stated she wants to have children while still young enough to actively engage with them rather than waiting until after her boxing career ends, planning to alternate between motherhood and fighting.

What weight classes has Claressa Shields fought in? 

Shields has competed in five weight classes: light middleweight, middleweight, super middleweight, light heavyweight, and heavyweight. She is the only fighter in history (male or female) to hold undisputed titles in three different weight divisions in the four-belt era.

What is “The Fire Inside” movie about? 

“The Fire Inside” is a 2024 biographical film about Claressa Shields’ life, starring actress Ryan Destiny as Shields. The film chronicles her journey from a difficult childhood in Flint, Michigan, to becoming a two-time Olympic gold medalist and professional boxing champion, showcasing her resilience and determination.

Conclusion

Claressa Shields stands as an undeniable force in combat sports history, having achieved what no other fighter—male or female—has accomplished in the modern era. Her journey from the challenging streets of Flint, Michigan, to Olympic glory and professional dominance exemplifies the power of determination, talent, and unwavering self-belief. Through 18 major world championships across five weight classes and an undefeated professional record, she has redefined possibilities for women in boxing and established herself as the greatest woman of all time in the sport.

Beyond her athletic achievements, Shields’ impact extends into cultural influence and advocacy for women’s rights in sports. As she prepares for motherhood in 2026 while maintaining her championship status, she continues breaking barriers and challenging conventional expectations in the boxing world. Her relationship with Papoose, her business ventures through T-Rex Promotions, and her ongoing fight for equal pay ensure her legacy will transcend boxing. Claressa “The GWOAT” Shields has proven herself not just as the greatest woman boxer of all time, but as a transformative figure whose influence will inspire generations of athletes to come in combat sports and beyond.

Den Mark

Den Mark is a passionate writer specializing in celebrity news, biographies, and net worth insights. With a keen eye for detail, he brings readers the latest updates and intriguing stories from the world of fame.