Jeff Chandler

"Joltin'" Jeff Chandler (born September 3, 1956, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) is a former boxer. Chandler reigned as the Lineal and WBA world Bantamweight Champion from November 1980 to April 1984. Professional boxing career The 5'7" (67 inches - 1.70 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 world's lineal and WBA 118-pound championship held by Julian Solís. On November 14, 1980, Chandler won the title by a fourteenth-round knockout in Miami, becoming the first American fighter to hold the bantamweight crown in over 30 years. Chandler's first defence was against former champion Jorge Luján, winning on points in fifteen rounds. He then travelled to Japan to face Asian champion Eljiro Murata, and although he was almost floored in the early rounds, Chandler came back to hold his title with a draw. 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. Chandler finished 1981 against Murata, earning a thirteenth-round knockout rematch win. In March 1982, Chandler faced the only opponent who ever defeated him as an amateur, fellow Philadelphian Johnny Carter. 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. Chandler went on to defend his title by beating Miguel Iriarte before finishing 1982.