After news broke that Madonna has a new hunky boyfriend in the boxing coach Josh Popper, all eyes are now on the 29-year-old athlete. Photos of the alleged couple have circulated online, and they're evidently sweet with each other.
However, there are claims that Madonna and Popper aren't actually a thing, and their alleged affair is just for show. So, know more about the young boxer and the real deal about their relationship.
The Real Deal Between Madonna and Josh Popper
Friends close to the two told Page Six that their photos together were just a gimmick to help Popper gain traction to promote his boxing gym. Allegedly, the music icon is currently "not looking for love" after breaking up with her 23-year-old boyfriend, Andrew Darnell, sometime in February.
But the source said it doesn't rule out any possible romance in the future, though things are just platonic between them for now. So, amid the news that the 64-year-old music legend is having a "bit of a crisis of confidence," it looks like she's getting her spark back.
Who is Josh Popper?
So, who is Popper? The boxer is reportedly based in New York City, and he and Madonna have met through her son.
Yahoo! noted that the son in question is probably David, and Popper is his boxing coach, considering the hitmaker has a strained relationship with her eldest son, Rocco. The mysterious guy was also previously selling life insurance and made an appearance on the latest season of "Summer House."
Samantha Feher reportedly invited Popper, who was also training her then, to hang out with the show's cast as they partied in the Hamptons. However, after testing the waters, the reality star shut down any possible romantic connection after Popper showed no interest in her.
A Former NFL Prospect
Popper used to be NFL's prospect after showing his talent in the defensive end for Rowan University before he became a boxer. After graduating in 2015, he joined the Arizona Cardinals for training camp but was cut off from the roster before the season began.
Though the Indianapolis Colts later picked him up, he was eventually removed from the team. So, between his boxing activities and the end of his football career, he made ends meet by selling insurance.
A New Jersey Native
Born and raised in New Jersey, Popper grew up in Egg Harbor Township in Southern Jersey. He went to college in Glassboro. He reportedly lives a low-key lifestyle, though it isn't revealed if he travels daily to his gym in Manhattan or has a home nearby.
