Meet
The Whip
Six-time champion, coach, author and mentor. For more than two decades, Fitz Vanderpool has used boxing to open doors for young people in Waterloo Region.
From Trinidad to world champion
Fitzroy “The Whip” Vanderpool was born in Trinidad and Tobago to John and Margaret Vanderpool, the middle child of five boys. The family moved to Canada in 1972 and settled in Kitchener, where all five brothers trained as amateur boxers.
Watching the 1988 Olympics lit a fire under Fitz, and he set his sights on the 1992 Games. He lost to the reigning Canadian champion four years in a row. At the 1992 Olympic trials he was the only challenger to beat a champion, but the rules required him to win twice, and he lost the deciding fight the next day.
Instead of quitting, he won the 1993 Canadian Amateur Championship and turned professional. In 1999 he stood in the ring at Toronto's Royal York Hotel and was crowned WBF Super Welterweight World Champion. In 2013 he won the NBA Canadian Middleweight title, his sixth championship, and became the oldest Canadian national boxing champion.
“The bottom line is if you want to be successful you have to work hard.”
In 2003 Fitz opened The Whip Boxing Academy, a place for young people to learn boxing while building self-confidence, self-esteem and self-discipline. In 2009 he and Sandra Cole wrote his biography, The Whip, about chasing a dream when the odds are stacked against you.
The championship record
Canadian Amateur Champion
The amateur title he won before turning pro, after missing the 1992 Olympics.
Canadian Professional Boxing Federation
Canadian welterweight champion.
World Boxing Federation Intercontinental
His first international belt.
WBC Welterweight (Fecarbox)
The same year he was named Kitchener-Waterloo's first Athlete of the Year.
WBF Super Welterweight World Champion
Crowned at the Royal York Hotel in Toronto.
WBC Super Welterweight (Fecarbox)
His second WBC Fecarbox belt.
NBA Canadian Middleweight
Won by unanimous decision at age 45, making him the oldest Canadian national boxing champion.
With Hope It's Possible
WHIPYIT, With Hope It's Possible, Youth in Transition. Fitz founded this non-profit to build strength, confidence and emotional well-being in young people. Its yearly Ride for Youth runs from Waterloo City Hall along the Spur Line Trail to Kitchener's Victoria Park. The money raised sends kids from families who couldn't otherwise afford it to a full week of Summer Camp with a World Champ.
Lil' Whips and Summer Camp. The academy's youth program teaches boxing to kids aged 8 to 16. Summer camp covers footwork, technique, defence and conditioning, along with basketball, swimming, soccer and games.
In schools. Fitz runs fitness boxing programs in Waterloo Region schools, speaks to students about setting goals and staying in school, and joins local read-a-thons. He has also served as a National Ambassador for StopBully and an International Fire Safety Ambassador.
Standing with neighbours. Working with Waterloo Regional Police, the academy gave a young community member a free one-year membership. It has also supported the For the Healing of the Seven Generations community healing program and the Kidney Foundation of Canada.
Every December, the gym gives back
Toy Drive
Fitz, a.k.a. “Fitz Santa,” is a Toy Ambassador for the largest toy drive in Southwestern Ontario.
Food Bank
Food drives for the local food bank. One recent drive collected 180 lbs of food.
Hats, Mitts & Socks
Winter clothing and shoes for people experiencing homelessness in Waterloo Region.
Blood Donor Drive
Donor drives in support of Canadian Blood Services.