A controversy involving boxing and MMA star Claressa Shields, rapper Papoose, and his wife, Remy Ma, has set off the sports and entertainment worlds.
The allegations of cheating, public accusations, and fiery responses are creating a media frenzy in which Claressa’s private life is also brought into the limelight.
During the chaos, doubts regarding Claressa’s relationship with her long-term lover, Tony Rich, surface.
Claressa Shields was in a long-term relationship with Tony Rich, a certified fitness trainer and the founder of AT Fitness Gym in Mt. Morris, Michigan.
Tony is from Beecher, Michigan, and attended Bauder College, further demonstrating his commitment to the development of academics and athletics.
The couple, who went official with their relationship in November 2020, often shared their moments on social media.
In March 2022, Claressa and Tony got engaged, which she proudly posted on Instagram with the caption-:
GWOAT A FIANCÉ YALL 💍! Engaged to the love of my life @tonyrichfit !!!!!
Via Instagram
Sadly, in November 2024, Claressa announced that she and Tony were on a break, stating that their relationship no longer aligned.
Remy Ma Accused Her Husband, Papoose, Of Infidelity With Boxer Claressa Shields
The internet exploded on December 12, 2024, after Remy Ma, married to rapper Papoose, aka Shamele Mackie, since February 2016, exposed her husband for allegedly being unfaithful to Claressa Shields.
Remy Ma reveals text messages that show Papoose and Claressa Shields are having an affair. pic.twitter.com/hP7a4ZjjeF
— The Art Of Dialogue (@ArtOfDialogue_) December 12, 2024
Taking to Instagram, Remy shared a screenshot of messages that showed alleged cheating by Papoose with Claressa.
In the exchange, Claressa hints at the fact that Papoose is the one who’s married by saying, “You are the one who’s married!”
Remy’s post also alleged that Papoose dozed off during a phone call with Claressa at her house, further fueling the narrative of an inappropriate relationship.
These explosive allegations instantly went viral, sparking heated debates and dividing public opinion.
Shortly after, Papoose and Claressa Shields responded to the rumors.
Papoose fired back, accusing Remy Ma of cheating on him “numerous times” and called her a “narcissist.”
Claressa, in turn, waved the finger and pointed at herself, saying she’s got “two boyfriends” and asking why that would anger Remy; if anything, this further irked many with her rather overt response.
Despite the seething controversy, Claressa’s connection with Tony Rich has been questioned.
Throughout Claressa Shields’ rise to fame, Tony Rich had been among those closest to her.
Their shared love for fitness and mutual respect provided the foundation on which they built their relationship.
Even as Claressa learned to negotiate the spotlight—whether in the ring or in her personal life—Tony remained a quiet presence, providing stability.
In the wake of the latest revelations, fans can only wonder if the couple will get back together.
With the public feud continuing, the drama between Remy Ma, Papoose, and Claressa Shields shows no signs of slowing down.
Remy’s accusations, Papoose’s counter-claims, and Claressa’s confident dismissal have captivated the internet.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Shields became the first woman to win the Best Boxer ESPY Award in 2023.
- Claressa’s father, Bo Shields, introduced her to boxing. He had boxed in underground leagues.
