World Champion. Community Builder. Disciplined Leader.
Fitz “The Whip” Vanderpool is a Canadian boxing champion, entrepreneur, and celebrated community leader who lives in Kitchener. Born in Trinidad and Tobago and raised in Canada, he became one of the country’s most decorated professional boxers, winning multiple world and national titles.
As a local business owner, Fitz built The Whip Boxing Academy into a local institution where he supports both youth and adults to help build inner and outer strength, confidence, and overall personal health.
Fitz was inducted into the Waterloo County Sports Hall of Fame and continues to serve the community through sport, youth development, and business.
In 2025, Fitz was awarded the prestigious King Charles III Coronation Medal for making a “profound and lasting contribution to Ontario and to Canada.”
Today he’s bringing the same discipline that defined a championship career to Kitchener City Council — fighting for affordability, safer streets, and smart growth that pays for itself.
“Kitchener’s champ.”
Before the boardrooms and the ribbon cuttings, Fitz earned this city’s respect the hard way — in the ring. Decades later, that same discipline, grit, and refusal to quit are what he’s bringing to Ward 5.
Accomplishments & honours
- 1996
Named International Fire Safety Ambassador
- 1998
Kitchener-Waterloo Inaugural 'Athlete of the Year'
- 2003
Recognition for Outstanding Contribution toward Fire Safety — International Fire Ambassadors
- 2006
Eastwood Collegiate's Wall of Recognition
- 2008
Inducted into the Waterloo County Sports Hall of Fame
- 2011
Inducted as a 'Legend' — Boxing Ontario
- 2015
Named 'National Ambassador' for StopBully.com
- 2016
Community Service Award — NBA Canadian Boxing Hall of Fame
- 2016
Inducted into Ontario Boxing Hall of Fame
- 2016
'Courage Award' — Rochester Boxing Hall of Fame
- 2017
RBG Flag Ambassador
- 2019
Jackie Robinson 'Fortitude Award'
- 2025