Template:Essay Syd “The Jewel” Vanderpool (born September 23, 1972 in Kitchener, Ontario, Canada) is a NABO (North American Boxing Organization) champion boxer (super middleweight), ranked #1 in the world in 2004 by the IBF. After retiring from competitive boxing in May 2005 with a professional record of 35 wins and 4 losses with 23 ko's, he is now the CEO of Boxing By Syd Athletic Centre in Kitchener, Ontario. Syd, the youngest of five brothers, was encouraged by his father, a boxing fanatic, who incorporated his love of the sport into every aspect of his children’s lives by including a full size boxing ring in their backyard. Syd fought world champions Bernard Hopkins, Jeff Lacey, and has a victory over Glen Johnson. It is through boxing that Syd has learned many valuable lessons that he applies to his life outside the ring. According to Syd, success is not about how great of a boxer one can be, but rather measured by the quality of meaningful relationships acquired while working toward a goal.