He turned pro after just two amatuer fights and became one of the greatest bantamweight champions in history.
Jeff Chandler, another in the long line of great Philadelphia fighters, first captured the NABF and USBA titles en route to worldwide recongition. A tireless counterpuncher, Chandler was known as "Joltin' Jeff" for his considerable power. He was one of the first prominent fighters to be managed by a woman -- K.O. Becky O'Neill.
Chandler's busy style and action fights made him a regular on network television during the early 1980s.
He captured the world bantamweight title with a 14th-round knockout of Julian Solis on November 14, 1980. He made nine successful title defenses, including victories over former champ Jorge Lujan and future champ Gaby Canizales. In 1983, he avenged a non-title fight loss against Oscar Muniz with a seventh-round knockout over Muniz. The second time they met, they clashed with the title on the line.
Chandler was considered among the best pound-for-pound fighters in the sport when his title reign ended with 15th-round TKO loss to Richie Sandoval in 1984. It was his last fight.
Born: Sept. 3, 1956
Bouts: 37
Won: 33
Lost: 2
Draw: 2
KOs: 18
Induction: 2000
Jeff Chandler
