Claressa Shields, the two-time Olympic gold medalist and reigning world champion in women’s boxing, recently shared her exciting plans for motherhood during an appearance on the Pivot podcast. Shields revealed that she and her partner, rapper Papoose, are looking to welcome their first child next year, expressing her desire to embrace motherhood while still being active in her boxing career.

“I’m going to have a baby next year. We already have it planned out,” Shields stated confidently. She elaborated on her intentions, explaining that she doesn’t want to delay starting a family until later in life—after her boxing career has concluded. “I don’t want to wait until I’m 40, 43, whatever, after my career to have my kids. I want to be able to run at the park with my kids and stuff like that. I don’t want to be too old,” she remarked.

Shields emphasized the importance of maintaining her physical fitness before and after becoming a mother. Following the birth of her first child, she plans to return to the ring and continue fighting, potentially expanding her family further down the line. “I’ll come back and fight some more and then probably have another one and then do the same thing again,” she noted.

Her candid remarks reflect a broader conversation around the balance between professional ambitions and personal life, particularly for women in sports. Shields’ proactive approach to planning her family while simultaneously pursuing her career in boxing is both refreshing and inspiring, setting a powerful example for future generations of athletes.

As Shields looks forward to this new chapter in her life, fans and followers are eager to see how she will manage the dual responsibilities of motherhood and professional boxing. The audience’s response to her announcement has been overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing their support and excitement for her journey ahead.

In conclusion, Claressa Shields is not only a trailblazer in the boxing ring but also a role model for women aspiring to balance their personal and professional lives. As she prepares for motherhood, her unwavering commitment to her career and family serves as a testament to her strength and determination. Fans can look forward to witnessing both her growth as a parent and her continued success as a champion in the sport.