Claressa Shields has no shortage of ideas about what she would be doing if boxing had never become her career. During a recent livestream with content creator Zoe Spencer, the undefeated boxing champion surprised viewers by revealing that she could see herself becoming a “Christian pornstar,” although her definition came with one very specific condition.
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During Spencer’s October 18 livestream, Shields offered an unconventional answer while discussing other careers she might have pursued.“I would be like a Christian pornstar. Yeah, you know, on film, but only with your husband,” she stated. “But besides that, I’d be like a singer. I would play basketball.”
The unexpected response offered a glimpse into Shields’ personality outside the boxing ring.
Her reference to a husband was also interesting considering how openly she has discussed her relationship with rapper Papoose and her desire to start a family with him.
Claressa Shields and Papoose have been publicly linked since late 2024, and their relationship has become a significant part of the boxer’s life outside sports. Shields revealed that she and the Brooklyn rapper were planning to welcome their first child together in 2027.
Her desire to become a mother has remained consistent throughout the year. During an August appearance on Cam Newton’s “Funky Friday” podcast, Shields acknowledged that she was surprised she had not already become pregnant. The champion expressed her desire to have children while she is still young enough to enjoy an active lifestyle with them.
Shields has also explained that motherhood would require some adjustments to her demanding boxing schedule. However, she has made it clear that having children is an important personal goal, even as she continues building her athletic legacy. Her relationship with Papoose has also extended into her professional endeavors, particularly her growing involvement in music.
Interestingly, although Shields mentioned becoming a singer as another possible career, she has already established herself as a recording artist.
Claressa Shields released “Poke the Gwoat,” featuring Taty Kamille, in October 2025. She has also released songs including “Killa,” “Run Your Mouth,” and “Good Life,” expanding her creative interests beyond championship boxing.
Her music career also includes releases under the name Ressa Da GWOAT, such as “Round 1” and “Pop My [expletive].”
One of her most personal releases arrived in March 2026 with “Faithful,” a love song dedicated to Papoose. During her interview with Angela Yee, Shields explained that she originally created the record in honor of her boyfriend’s birthday. She also revealed that singer Ari Lennox encouraged her to release the song after hearing it.
Her passion for hip hop goes beyond her relationship. During a February interview with XXL, Shields discussed how deeply rap music influenced her upbringing and boxing journey. She recalled listening to artists including Tupac and The Notorious B.I.G. while training as a young fighter in Flint, Michigan.
She also explained that making music allows artists to express different sides of themselves, something she has increasingly embraced while balancing her public identity as a world champion.
For Shields, music, relationships, and motherhood are no longer just possibilities for a future without boxing. They are becoming increasingly important parts of the life she is building alongside her athletic success.
