The Breakfast Club – EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: Claressa Shields on $8M Fight Deal, Contenders, Record Deal, and Papoose

Date: November 7, 2025
Host: Lauren LaRosa (for this segment)
Guests: Claressa Shields, Papoose

Episode Overview

This episode features an exclusive, in-depth conversation with boxing champion Claressa Shields following her landmark $8 million, four-fight contract with Salita Promotions. Lauren LaRosa covers the deal’s background, Shields’ negotiation process with other promoters, her prospective opponents, and delves into the pivotal role played by rapper Papoose—her partner, business ally, and executive at Wynn Records. The discussion opens up about their personal relationship, dispels rumors, and highlights empowerment through strategic partnerships.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The $8 Million Fight Deal

• Announcement & Reaction: Shields’ deal with Salita Promotions is described as a milestone for her and for women’s boxing.

  • Lauren shares:

    “People have been having a conversation about Claressa Shields ... announced yesterday on CBS Mornings that she has signed an $8 million fight contract with her former promotional group, Salita Promotions.” (03:19)

• The Negotiation Process:

  • Shields reveals she had offers from several top promoters, including MVP (Jake Paul, Nikisa Boderian) and Matchroom (Eddie Hearn), but Salita and Wynn delivered the most meaningful contract.
  • Shields refrains from disclosing rival offers’ specifics, keeping relationships professional:
    • “I had talks … with mvp, with matchroom, who was with Eddie Hearn, mvp, who was with Jake Paul and Nikisa Boderian ... Nobody had a terrible deal…MVP definitely came with it...It wasn’t $8 million.” (04:28–05:02)

2. Upcoming Opponents & Division Moves

• Fight Prospects: Shields discusses her potential next steps: heavyweight bouts (175 lbs), possible fights with Mikayla Mayer, Frenchon Crews-Dezurn, Shadesha Green, Shay Keneally, Danielle Perkins, and others.
  • “There’s so many people...I think my next fight will be up at heavyweight…Mikayla Mayer up at 160, 154...I’ve already beat whoever they consider the best.” (05:44–06:22)
• Layla Ali Rumor: Lauren confirms the highly anticipated fight with Layla Ali is off the table, as discussed in a prior episode.

3. Papoose’s Impact – Business & Personal

• Papoose as Dealmaker:

  • Shields gives credit to Papoose for facilitating introductions between her, Wynn Records, and Salita Promotions, emphasizing his critical role in the deal:
    • “It wouldn’t even have been a conversation between me and Wynn had Pap not been there...He introduced me to Wynn Records...” (12:18)
  • Papoose’s business acumen is repeatedly praised:
    • “[Papoose] helps make sure that the record company run how it’s supposed to run...He negotiates the contracts.” (12:18–12:59)

• Handling Adversity:

  • Shields highlights that Papoose was instrumental during stressful times of her last fight, picking up the pieces:
    • “Everything that fell apart, Pap was right there...I’m just complaining...I gotta make this call...I don’t even know who to call...and I’m sitting there bending to Pap, and he like, I got it. Don’t worry about it.” (13:00)

4. Papoose and Shields – Relationship & Narrative

• Addressing Rumors:
  • Lauren recaps recent tabloid drama regarding Papoose’s relationship with Shields, his split from Remy Ma, and rumors about his financial role.
  • Shields strongly implies she’s independently wealthy and content; Papoose speaks directly to misperceptions:
    • "It disappoints me that...some of y’all would actually believe some of that foolishness. Very disappointed…what I’ve done, being in this game for so long, never selling my soul, never backdoor...the newcomers, the casuals who don’t know no better, I get it. But those of y’all who know me, very disappointing that you would even jack some of that because it makes no sense at all." (15:04–15:49)
  • Relationship Affirmations:
    • Papoose: “Clarissa is the love of my life. …She deserved every dime. And here we are. So once again, congratulations to the queen.” (14:20–14:51)
    • Clarissa with a supportive response: “Thank you. … He’s smart. He’s smart.” (14:51–14:54)

5. Takeaways and Empowerment

• Lauren’s Observations:
  • Shields’ financial and emotional well-being is evident, with Lauren noting:

    “Clarissa Shields is rich as hell. So it doesn’t matter, in my opinion, who’s giving what, who’s doing what. … One of the things I walked away with learning yesterday is you gotta stand up for what you want and who you want. Because if you don’t, you walk away with nothing.” (15:49)

  • Lauren closes by thanking listeners and re-emphasizing the episode’s value as exclusive, essential listening for Claressa Shields fans and those interested in athlete empowerment and partnership.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On the Power of Strategic Partnership:

  • “It wouldn’t even have been a conversation between me and Wynn had Pap not been there…He’s very influential in getting the artist to perform…He negotiates the contracts.”
    —Claressa Shields (12:18)

• Dignity and Reputation:

  • “What I’ve done, being in this game for so long, never selling my soul, never backdoor, never doing no sideways… Very disappointed that some of y’all would actually believe some of that foolishness.”
    —Papoose (15:04–15:49)

• Empowerment:

  • “You gotta stand up for what you want and who you want. Because if you don’t, you walk away with nothing.”
    —Lauren LaRosa (15:49)

• Expressions of Love and Partnership:

  • “Clarissa is the love of my life…She deserved every dime. And here we are. So once again, congratulations to the queen.”
    —Papoose (14:20)

Important Segment Timestamps

• Contract discussion & offers: 03:19–05:16
• Potential opponents & weights: 05:27–06:22
• Papoose’s role in the deal: 11:43–13:29
• Relationship context & business support: 13:29–14:56
• Papoose addresses public perception: 15:04–15:49
• Final takeaways & empowerment: 15:49

Episode Summary

This exclusive segment from The Breakfast Club showcases Claressa Shields at a pivotal moment: securing a record-setting contract, mapping her future fights, and celebrating the crucial, behind-the-scenes partnership of Papoose. Listeners get a transparent look at negotiations, the dynamics of gender and business in boxing, and a forthright rebuttal to negative rumors—inspiring anyone navigating career crossroads or personal challenges.