The GWOAT And The Rapper: Is Claressa Shields Dating Papoose? Inside The Most Surprising Celebrity Romance Of 2025

The relationship status of boxing superstar Claressa Shields and veteran rapper Papoose has been one of the most talked-about topics in celebrity news throughout 2025. The unexpected pairing of the 'GWOAT' (Greatest Woman of All Time) and the Brooklyn lyricist has captivated fans from both the hip-hop and combat sports worlds, sparking intense curiosity about how the two powerful figures connected and what their future holds. The definitive answer, based on the latest interviews and public appearances, is a resounding yes: Claressa Shields and Papoose are officially dating and are very much a couple.

As of late 2025, the couple has moved past the initial rumors, confirming their romance and even discussing their plans for the future. The relationship, which reportedly began in late 2024, came as a major surprise to many, especially given the public history of both individuals. Claressa Shields has been open about her previous broken engagement, while Papoose was long known for his highly-publicized marriage to fellow rapper Remy Ma. This article dives deep into the timeline, the drama, and the details of this fresh celebrity romance.

Claressa Shields and Papoose: Full Biography and Career Profiles

To understand the magnitude of this pairing, it is essential to appreciate the accomplishments of both Claressa Shields and Shamele "Papoose" Mackie.

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Claressa Shields: The GWOAT

• Full Name: Claressa Maria Shields
• Born: March 17, 1995 (Flint, Michigan)
• Occupation: Professional Boxer, Former Mixed Martial Artist
• Nickname: T-Rex, The GWOAT (Greatest Woman of All Time)
• Career Highlights: First American boxer—male or female—to win back-to-back Olympic gold medals (2012, 2016). She is the only boxer in history to hold all four major world titles in two weight classes simultaneously (undisputed champion in two divisions). Shields has an immaculate professional boxing record.
• Previous Relationships: Was previously engaged to fitness coach Tony Richardson before the relationship ended.

Papoose: The Brooklyn Lyricist

• Full Name: Shamele Mackie
• Born: March 5, 1978 (Brooklyn, New York)
• Occupation: Rapper, Songwriter, Television Personality
• Known For: Prolific mixtape output, complex freestyles, and his appearances on the reality show Love & Hip Hop: New York. He is a respected figure in the New York hip-hop scene.
• Previous Marriage: Was famously married to rapper Remy Ma from 2008 until their separation/divorce proceedings began in 2023.

The Relationship Timeline: From Rumors to Confirmation

The romance between the undefeated boxing champion and the veteran rapper was initially shrouded in speculation, but the timeline shows a clear progression from whispers to a confirmed, public relationship.

Late 2024: Allegations Go Public

Rumors first surfaced in late 2024, coinciding with the very public and messy separation of Papoose and Remy Ma. The hip-hop community was abuzz with infidelity accusations, and Shields’ name was unexpectedly brought into the conversation. Claressa Shields, known for her candid nature, initially kept her personal life quiet, fueling the mystery.

Early 2025: Claressa Shields Confirms the Romance

The relationship was officially confirmed in early 2025 when Shields addressed the speculation directly in several high-profile interviews. She spoke about being "in love" and "happy" with Papoose, emphasizing that their connection was genuine and not just a fleeting celebrity link-up.

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Mid-2025: Addressing The Drama and The Past

The biggest hurdle for the couple has been Papoose’s ongoing situation with Remy Ma. While the two rappers publicly split in 2023, reports indicate that the divorce proceedings have been complex and not yet finalized, despite both parties moving on. Shields has had to navigate this public drama, often asserting the validity of her new relationship while Papoose deals with the legal and personal fallout from his previous marriage.

Are Claressa Shields and Papoose Engaged? Debunking the Rumors

Following the confirmation of their dating status, the next wave of speculation immediately focused on a potential engagement. Papoose and Shields are both strong personalities who have been open about their desire for a stable family life, leading many to believe a proposal was imminent.

Shields Sets the Record Straight

Claressa Shields, however, has been quick to manage expectations and shut down the engagement rumors. In a public statement, she made it clear that while she is deeply committed to Papoose, he has "not proposed YET!" This direct clarification was crucial, especially since Shields had a previous broken engagement with Tony Richardson, a fitness coach. She is clearly taking her time and prioritizing a solid foundation for this new chapter.

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The Future: Marriage and Family

Despite the lack of a current engagement, the couple has not been shy about discussing their long-term goals. In a joint interview, the two opened up about their future, mentioning the possibility of marriage and even starting a family together. This level of public discussion indicates a serious, committed relationship that is moving toward permanence, even if it is proceeding on their own timeline.

The Shock Factor: Why This Pairing Surprised Everyone

The Shields-Papoose romance was one of the most random celebrity link-ups of 2024/2025, primarily due to the stark contrast in their professional worlds and the timing of the relationship.

Worlds Apart: Boxing Meets Hip-Hop

Claressa Shields is the undisputed champion of the women's boxing world, a two-time Olympic gold medalist, and a figure celebrated for her relentless focus and physical dominance in the ring. Papoose, on the other hand, is a respected, old-school New York rapper whose career is rooted in lyrical prowess, mixtapes, and reality television drama. Their professional circles rarely intersect, making their personal connection a genuine surprise.

The Remy Ma Factor

The most significant reason for the shock was Papoose's long-standing, public marriage to Remy Ma. They were a hip-hop power couple, and their relationship was extensively documented on Love & Hip Hop. The news of Papoose moving on with Shields while his divorce from Remy Ma was still reportedly pending added a layer of complexity and high-stakes drama to the narrative. This factor has made their relationship a constant source of media attention and fan discussion.

Topical Authority: Claressa Shields' Quest for Undisputed Dominance

While her personal life is making headlines, Claressa Shields’ professional career remains her primary focus. The "GWOAT" title is not just a boast; it is a reference to her unparalleled achievements. She is the fastest boxer in history to become a two- and three-weight undisputed champion.

Her dominance in the middleweight and light middleweight divisions has solidified her legacy as one of the greatest combat sports athletes of all time. Her relationship with Papoose, a man known for his supportive nature with his previous partner, suggests a strong foundation where both partners support each other's demanding careers. This mutual respect for ambition is likely a key component of their bond, allowing Shields to maintain her focus on her next major title defense while enjoying her new-found happiness.

In conclusion, the answer to "Is Claressa Shields dating Papoose?" is unequivocally yes. The couple is in a confirmed, committed relationship that began in late 2024. While they have addressed and denied current engagement rumors, they have openly discussed a future that includes marriage and family. This unexpected, powerful pairing of the Greatest Woman of All Time in boxing and the veteran New York rapper continues to be a compelling story in the world of celebrity romance.