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Syd "The Jewel" Vanderpool
by Ed Ludwig
14.02 - This evening I had the pleasure of speaking with Super Middleweight contender Syd "The Jewel" Vanderpool (31-2 20 KO's). Vanderpool hails from Kitchener Ontario, Canada where he resides today. Syd is very active in his community where he is a motivational speaker and he volunteers much of his time to help the less fortunate. He had an excellent amateur career. He won ninety and lost eleven. In May of 2000 Syd Vanderpool challenged Middleweight Champion Bernard Hopkins for the IBF title. After some time away from the ring he is back and looking for a title shot against one of the 168 pound champions and today he signed with Don King. I would like to thank him for his time.
Ed Ludwig: When did you make the jump to the Super Middleweight division?
Syd Vanderpool: Well, actually I have been a Super Middleweight for five years now. I had the title shot against Bernard Hopkins at 160 and I took it.
EL: What is Bernard Hopkins like and what do you think of his accomplishments?
SV: He is a guy who understands that we are fighters doing a job. He is a good businessman and his accomplishments speak for it self. Destroying Felix Trinidad and breaking Carlos Monzon's record for title defences was incredible. I would love to fight him again at Super Middleweight.
EL: Following your title fight with Bernard Hopkins, you were away from the ring for some time. What was the reason for your lay off?
SV: The reason for that was I had a new daughter and I wanted to spend time with her. My phone wasn't ringing off the hook either after I fought Hopkins. A lot of guys didn't want to get in the ring with me.
EL: In my opinion the Super Middleweight division is overlooked by most boxing press and under rated. Do you agree?
SV: I think right now it is. Lightweight to Middleweight are the glamour divisions. I would like to make the step up and make it a high profile division.
EL: While you were away from the ring did you train on a regular basis?
SV: I was focused on getting my body stronger by using a strength and conditioning coach. I didn't do too much boxing.
EL: Do you have fellow Canadian and current WBC champ Eric Lucas in your sights?
SV: I may have him in my sights but I'm not on his hit list.
EL: Your thoughts on the upcoming Eric Lucas vs. Vinny Paz bout?
SV: Well I know how and why Lucas is fighting Paz. There is more deserving challengers. Paz could win and that would not say much for the Super Middleweight division at this time. A lot of guys keep winning and never get a shot.
EL: Does Bernard Hopkins have any chance of beating Roy Jones if they meet again?
SV: There is always a chance when two fighters get in the ring. I think Jones is to fast and to strong. Hopkins is a veteran and a warrior. I would not bet on this fight because anything can happen.
EL: Which boxer do you enjoy watching?
SV: For entertainment value, Arturo Gatti is one of my favourites. He always gives everything he has and he is never in a bad fight.
EL: What has your brother Fitz been up to?
SV: He has been doing a lot of training in Las Vegas with Roger Mayweather. I did not see his last fight but he is looking good.
EL: Have you and your brother sparred together?
SV: We have sparred together. Mostly when we were amateurs. Older brother didn't like younger brother being bigger than him. It was pretty heated at times and we stopped sparring together after three years.
EL: When did you first put on a pair of boxing gloves?
SV: I can't even remember. I was 6 ½ when I had my first amateur fight. I was watching my brother fight live and that's when it all started for me. I won my first amateur fight. My amateur career really began when I was 17. I played hockey and other sports. I had my first pro fight when I was 20.
EL: What is it like fighting in your home province of Ontario?
SV: It's great because most of my fights have been in the States. My friends and family get to see me and it is nice. I am ready to head back south.
EL: Who do you think is the best champion at 168?
SV: Joe Calzaghe. I was supposed to fight him in 1999 in Wales. He was injured two weeks before the fight and it was called off. I would love to fight him now.
EL: Would you travel to Europe for a title shot?
SV: I would go to Wales to fight Joe Calzaghe and I would not go to Germany to fight Sven Ottke. Roy Jones won't even go there. It's hard to win a fair decision.
EL: What has been your toughest fight to date?
SV: The one that comes to mind would be Lonnie Beasley. After the fight I was sitting in my dressing room and thinking about how hard it is to make a living doing this.
EL: What is your training schedule like?
SV: When I'm getting ready for a fight I train 4 ½ hours a day, six days a week. My training consists of weight training, running and boxing. My diet is not strict because I have no problem making weight. I drink a lot of water and moderate my carbohydrate intake.
EL: Have you had any serious injuries?
SV: No, thankfully my career has been injury free.
EL: Would you consider a move to Light Heavyweight?
SV: Light Heavyweight, yes and no to Middleweight. Putting on weight you are strong and usually going in at your best and when dropping the pounds you are not as strong and it is difficult.
EL: Not including yourself, who is the best Canadian boxer today?
SV: I would go with Kirk Johnson.
EL: What are your favourite fights of all time?
SV: Marvin Hagler vs. John Mugabi is number one and my second choice is Marvin Hagler vs. Thomas Hearns.
EL: Do you know who your next opponent is?
SV: Working on it right now. Talking to Don King and we are waiting to see what he has planned. I am hoping for a fight at the end of April.
EL: Your plans for the next year?
SV: To fight for a world title in the next ten to twelve months. I would like to defend it a few times and retire. That's my career in a nutshell, finish on top.
For more information on Syd "The Jewel" Vanderpool make sure to visit his website www.sydthejewel.com
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