Fitz ‘The Whip'
was born in Trinidad and Tobago to John and Margaret Vanderpool - the middle
child of 5 boys. After the family came to Canada in 1972, all of the boys
trained as amateur boxers, but quit in 1984. However, watching the 1988
Olympics lit a fire under Fitz and he decided to shoot for the 1992 Olympics.
He began training and fighting again, and chocked up 4 losses to the Canadian
champion for 4 years in a row.
At
the 1992 Olympic trials, Fitz was the only challenger to actually beat a
champion - however he had to beat the champion twice in order to
represent Canada. The next day he fought the champ and lost - he would not
represent Canada at the 1992 Olympics. His dream shattered, he decided to turn
professional. However, before he turned pro, Fitz fought and won the 1993
Canadian Amateur championship.
Fitz
had high hopes becoming a world champion, and blazed quote a trail attaining
his goal. Fitz ‘The Whip' Vanderpool went on to win the:
Ÿ
Canadian Professional Boxing Federation
title
Ÿ
World Boxing Federation Intercontinental
title
Ÿ
World Boxing Council Welterweight
Fecarbox title
Ÿ
World Boxing Federation Superwelterweight
World title
Ÿ
World Boxing Council Superwelterweight
Fecarbox title.
Since
retiring from professional boxing:
Ÿ
Fitz is the owner & president of Vanderpool
Fitness & Boxing in Kitchener, Ontario, Canada.
Ÿ
Fitz facilitates fitness boxing programs in
Waterloo Region schools in the Region of Waterloo, teaching the students
fitness through boxing and inspiring them to be successful individuals.
Ÿ
Having lived the dream of becoming a World
champion Fitz also speaks at schools inspiring young people to set goals and
chase their dreams.
Ÿ
As an International Fire Safety Fitz speaks on
fire safety and prevention.
Ÿ
Fitz is one of the first 10 people inducted into
Eastwood Collegiate's Wall of Recognition.
Ÿ
In 2008, Fitz ‘The Whip' was inducted
into the Waterloo County Hall of Fame.
In 2009, Fitz co-wrote his book 'The Whip'
with Sandra Cole. (produced by Waterloo Region law firm Morell Kelly)
This inspirational book shows how anyone can chase their dream and succeed,
even when the odds are stacked against you.
With
Hope It's Possible!
