Career
The 5"7" (67 inches - 170 metres) tall Philadelphian began his professional career with a four-round draw in 1976 after only two amateur bouts. Chandler then began a four-year string of victories culminating in a challenge for the WBA 118-pound championship held by Julian Solíson Many ringside observers felt Chandler deserved a clear points victory.
With his status in the boxing world rising, Chandler followed this up with a repeat victory over Solis, this time in seven rounds.
The tables were turned this time as he scored a sixth round knockout on national television Soon after, Chandler was sidelined by an injury sustained in a street-fight.
During a traffic altercation in Philadelphia, he was stabbed on the right shoulder with a broken bottle, leaving a distinctive circular scar, but doing no permanent damage. In 1983, Chandler ventured into the Super bantamweight ranks, winning a ten-round decision over Hector Cortez.
He then faced tough Angelino Oscar Muniz in another non-title bout.
Muniz took the fight to Chandler, winning narrowly on points over ten rounds, Chandler"s first defeat in the professional ranks. A severe cut over Muniz"s eye brought a stoppage in the seventh round, enabling Chandler to retain his belt by a seventh round technical knockout. On April 7, 1984, Chandler faced the undefeated contender Richie Sandoval.
This time his skills were not enough to stop an eager young foe.
Sandoval took the title with a fifteenth-round knockout. This turned out to be Chandler"s last fight.
He elected to have surgery on cataracts that had been diagnosed the year before. Rather than risk blindness, Chandler retired from boxing.
He finished his career with a record of 33 wins, 2 losses and 2 draws.
Jeff Chandler provided boxing fans with many memorable performances. In 2000, he was elected to the International Boxing Hall of Fame at Canastota, New New York