“Joltin” Jeff Chandler Visits Fraims Boys & Girls Club in DE
By Ken Hissner, Doghouse Boxing (Feb 4, 2011)
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Dave Ruff has been trying to get local boxers from Delaware to speak at the Fraims Boy’s and Girls Club in Wilmington for years. After numerous rejections he invited former WBA Bantamweight champion “Joltin” Jeff Chandler during an interview last month and the champ accepted.

Chandler was true to his word last week. Staff member Rachel Morales picked the champ up in Newark where he resides. The former South Philadelphia boxer ruled the 118 pounders from 1980 to 1984 making 9 successful defenses. Hall of Fame promoter J Russel l Peltz proclaimed Chandler to be “the most talented fighter physically and mentally that I ever promoted.”

Chandler was inducted into the IHOF in 2000. An eye injury ended his career after losing his title in 1984. Always one of the most popular fighters to ever come out of Philadelphia, Chandler only had 2 amateur bouts. His professional record was 33-2-2 with 18 knockouts.

Upon Chandler’s arrival at the club he was shown around by Ruff and met the staff that included Tony Delue, Morris Wifgall, Taron Moon, and Phil Arendall. He ate with the kids and said “I didn’t have anything like this as a kid.” The humble Chandler then talked to different age groups. They viewed him on www.youtube.com and asked questions about his boxing career. He told them if they put their mind to it and stay in school they could be successful.

When this writer arrived Ruff was asked “didn’t Jeff show up?” Ruff laughed and pointed to the basketball court. There was Chandler at 54 years young running up and down with the kids playing ball. He looked like he was in fighting shape.

“I think it was really nice because I met a famous person. When I told my grandmother she said no way. She had seen Jeff (Chandler) box on television,” said Nashyia Banks Miller. “He inspired the kids to accomplish their dreams. He helped kids to believe in themselves,” said Ruff.

Ruff knows boxing as well as anyone in Delaware. He works with the kids one day a week. He had 60 exhibitions, managed and trained numerous boxers. He is now a writer for www.doghouseboxing.com and a very well liked person in the community and in boxing circles.

This writer had some difficulty getting Chandler to leave since he was having so much fun with the kids. “I’d like to come back here again,” said Chandler. Spoken like a real champion! On February 25th there’s a good chance Chandler will attend the boxing show at Dover Downs for those who would like to meet the champ!



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