Shawn ‘The Executioner’ Clark: From Philly Prospect to Elite Referee Dominating Boxing’s Biggest Nights
By: George Hanson Jr., Esq.
A few years ago, I had a conversation with Lynne Carter, Hall of Fame Boxing Judge, in which I exclaimed, “Shawn Clark is a bad man!” Lynne questioned me, asking, “What do you mean?” I proceeded to explain Clark’s impressive amateur boxing career. As kids and teenagers, we often fought on the same cards, and he was a member of the legendary Executioners Boxing Team located at the corner of 60th and Vine Street in West Philadelphia. Despite working over two decades of professional shows with Referee Clark, Lynne was unaware of her peer’s remarkable boxing skills.
Shawn Clark’s exceptional reputation in the boxing world is further highlighted by his involvement in film and his numerous accolades. In 2015, he was selected by Sylvester Stallone to appear as a referee in the movie “Creed,” a testament to his authenticity and expertise in the sport. His professional excellence was recognized in 2025 when the Veteran Boxers Association of New York honored him as “Referee of the Year.” Notably, Clark became the first official from outside New York to receive this prestigious award in the association’s seventy-two-year history.
Clark’s achievements extend to his home city, where he has received eight “Referee of the Year” awards at the Annual Salute to Philly Boxers Awards Banquet. Remarkably, he earned this distinction four years in a row, from 2022 to 2025. As of this writing, Clark has officiated an impressive total of 761 professional bouts, underscoring his enduring impact and dedication to the sport of boxing.
Witnessing Shawn Clark in the ring evokes vivid memories of legendary referee Larry Hazzard Sr., a three-time New Jersey Golden Gloves and AAU Champion. Hazzard also holds a master’s degree and went on to serve as Commissioner of the New Jersey State Athletic Control Board, the governing body for boxing in New Jersey. This remarkable transition from accomplished athlete to respected administrator speaks volumes about his influence and leadership within the sport.
Clark’s movements in the ring mirror those of Hazzard—he operates with the stealth, elegance, and measured strength of a panther. His ability to sidestep, pivot, and consistently find the optimal position ensures that he remains unobtrusive to the fighters, yet always close enough to make the correct call. This combination of agility and awareness underscores Clark’s exceptional skill as a referee.
Given his outstanding performance and dedication, it is evident that he deserves recognition for his contributions. It is time for Shawn Clark to be inducted into both the Pennsylvania and New Jersey Boxing Halls of Fame, honoring his legacy and impact on the sport of boxing.
Clark was a member of the Executioners Boxing Gym, founded in the early 1970s by Frank Taylor and Marvin “Toochie” Gordon. Their goal was to use boxing as a tool to instill discipline and life skills, offering young people a safe path through the dangerous, gang-infested neighborhoods of Philadelphia. The Executioners Gym produced numerous amateur champions and notable professionals, including IBF Junior-welterweight Champion Gary Hinton in 1986. The gym’s impact was so profound that it became the subject of the award-winning 2021 documentary “The Executioners: We All Had a Chance,” written and directed by Dannon Green. Clark appears in the documentary alongside his teammates, including Mike Wells, Lydell Johnson, and Kelvin “Special K” Kelly.
Shawn Clark is the second of four children, two boys and two girls—born to Mary and Stephen Clark Sr. in West Philadelphia. He has an older brother, Stephen Jr., and two younger sisters, Mary and Salem, who are two and four years younger, respectively. Clark began boxing at the age of twelve, following his friend Tony Arnold, son of legendary Philadelphia boxer Billy Arnold, into the Executioners Boxing Gym at 60th and Vine Street in West Philadelphia. There, he met trainers Marvin “Toochie” Gordon and Frank Taylor, who dedicated their lives to helping young people. The gym wall bore a sign: “It is better to build boys than to mend men,” a motto that shaped Clark’s development and character.
Shawn Clark and his brother became a formidable pair in the amateur boxing scene, frequently competing together on various cards. Clark’s primary trainer, Frank Taylor, was known for his ability to identify and enhance each boxer’s unique strengths. Under Taylor’s guidance, Clark participated in more than forty-five amateur matches over six years, securing multiple prestigious titles such as the Philadelphia Junior-Olympics, Junior-Golden Gloves, the Diamond Belt and a Bronze medal at the Ohio State Fair in 1982. After a successful amateur career, Clark graduated from University City High School in 1984, at which point he decided to hang up his gloves. He shifted his focus to the workforce and began building his career.
Clark’s professional journey started with a stint at P&C Bank. He subsequently obtained a position at the Federal Reserve Bank, where he spent two decades, ultimately serving as Supervisor for Check Operations. Following his tenure at the Federal Reserve, Clark transitioned to the City of Philadelphia Department of Corrections. He has now worked as a Corrections Officer for more than twenty years and plans to retire from the department.
In 1993, a pivotal moment arrived when Clark spoke with the late George Hill, a renowned USA Boxing referee and official. Hill, who was a classmate of Clark’s father and had officiated many of Clark’s amateur bouts, encouraged him to return to the sport as a referee for amateur boxing. To ease Clark’s hesitation, Hill advised, “You will never know until you try.” Clark took the advice to heart, embarking on a new chapter in boxing.
He became one of the top referees under USA Boxing, the governing body for amateur boxing in the United States and served as a referee for the 2000 Olympic box-off in Scranton, Pennsylvania. In 2004, he advanced to the professional ranks with the Pennsylvania State Athletic Commission.
On the personal front, Clark has enjoyed thirty-two years of marriage to his wife, Katrina, whom he affectionately refers to as his “best half.” Together, they have two children: Shawn Clark, age thirty-seven, a graduate of South Carolina University with a BS in Business and Finance, and Shayla, age twenty-two, who graduated from Lincoln University with a BS in Health Science on May 3, 2026. Family remains at the heart of Clark’s life, following the tradition set by his parents. Sadly, his mother passed away in 2021, but his father, Steve Sr., continues to thrive.
Whenever I cover events, as a press member, featuring Clark, I make sure to show up ahead of time so I can observe the boxers and officials meeting before the show begins. Clark’s discussions about safety priorities, protection, fouls, and command responses are not to be missed. His favorite introductory remark regarding the fighter’s cup— “This is not a stomach protector, or chest protector, it is a groin protector…”—is delivered with a cadence and humor reminiscent of the legendary Richard Pryor. Clark maintains a perfect balance of seriousness and wit, making his instructions both effective and memorable.
Shawn Clark stands out not only for his skill in the ring but also for his character and dedication to the sport of boxing. His passion for boxing is truly generous, reflecting a deep respect and love for the sweet science. Clark often shares that, as a referee, he enjoys what he considers “the best seat in the house,” emphasizing the privilege and responsibility that comes with his role.
When discussing his experiences in championships and notable matches, Clark consistently expresses that he does not differentiate between these high-profile bouts and others. His guiding principle is clear: “Treat every fight like it is a championship fight because it is a championship fight to the people fighting it.” This mantra drives Clark to approach each match with equal seriousness and respect, ensuring that every boxer receives the same level of attention and fairness, regardless of the stakes or the fighters’ reputations.
This commitment to equality and importance in every bout defines Clark’s reputation as a referee. He believes that every fight holds significance for the athletes involved, and he honors that by giving each contest his full dedication and professional focus.
On April 17th, I arrived at Greater Bible Way Temple church at 9:00 AM to pay my respects at the viewing and attend the 11:00 AM funeral service for the legendary Frank Taylor, who passed away on April 3rd at the age of eighty-five. Frank Taylor now joins his fellow mentor and friend, Toochie Gordon, who preceded him in passing in 2008. Even though my own training and fighting took place at another gym, Frank always treated me as if I were one of his own. As I sat for two hours, I found myself reflecting deeply on The Executioners, recalling the fond memories and the lasting influence that both Frank Taylor and Toochie Gordon had on so many lives in the boxing community.
During the service, I watched as all their protégés— “The Executioners”—began to arrive, including Clark, Pastor Mike Wells, Lydell Johnson, and Kelvin Kelly. It was remarkable to see Mike Wells, whom many consider Philadelphia’s answer to 1984 Olympic Gold Medalist Mark Breland, now serving as a pastor and leading the funeral service. The presence of these men underscored the far-reaching impact of Frank Taylor and Toochie Gordon’s mentorship and guidance.
Shawn Clark has come a long way from his days in the ring. He was a fierce competitor then, and today he is recognized as not only an exceptional referee but also an even greater individual. There is no doubt that Toochie Gordon and Frank Taylor would be proud of the man he has become.
Continue to support the sweet science, and remember, always carry your mouthpiece.
ghanson18@icloud.com
