RICHARD ‘Shrimpy’ Clarke, the former Jamaican flyweight and super flyweight boxer of the 1980s and 1990s, was presented with the Spirit Of Jamaica Award by Wray & Nephew, sponsors of the fifth Wray & Nephew White Overproof Contender Boxing Series, at the Chinese Benevolent Association last Wednesday.

The presentation was made to Clarke by Wray & Nephew’s Managing Director Clement ‘Jimmy’ Lawrence before the semi-final feature bout between Kemahl Russell and Devon Moncriffe.

Clarke, 52, was being recognised for his achievements and his commitment to the sport of boxing and its development over the years.

He was also awarded the Order of Distinction by the Government of Jamaica for his commitment to sports two years ago.

Clarke is also the recipient of numerous awards for his valuable contribution to the sport of boxing. He won the World Boxing Council (WBC) Continental Americas Flyweight title, WBC International Light Flyweight title, and the British Commonwealth Flyweight title. Clarke also fought Sot Chitalada for the WBC flyweight title and Ysaias Zamudio for the North American Boxing Federation Flyweight title. He is now the head boxing coach at the Stanley Couch Gymnasium in downtown Kingston.

At Stanley Couch Gym, Clarke was the mentor to four of the last five winners of the Wray & Nephew White Overproof Contender Boxing Series, and was the head trainer for the 2012 Contender candidate Donovan ‘Police’ Campbell.

Clarke has been involved in boxing since growing up at his Studley Park Road home in Kingston, and he disclosed that he has fought close to 200 fights in his career as a boxer, and won four gold medals and a silver while competing for Jamaica at different tournaments as an amateur boxer overseas.

From 33 fights, as a professional, Clarke won 27, including the Pan American Championships.

— Hurbun Williams