Damn. I hate to pick against Zarate, one of my all-time favorites, but I think Joltin Jeff had all of the right tools to beat him. Not sure I see a stoppage either way, but that would serve more as a detriment to Carlos than Chandler, who I believe is resourceful enough to remain a step ahead throughout.
If Zarate shows the spirit and intensity he did against Zamora, I think he could beat Chandler. If he's gun-shy like he was against Pintor, then Chandler might be able to take him.
believe it or not, this matchup has been discussed several times. i''m not sure what my predictions have been in the past, but for now i have to go with chandler. zarate looked brilliant against zamora but let's not forget, zamora was a ruthless looper and it was easy for zarate to get his short shots in between at mid range. but chandler with his height and legs would be out at range and moving - i think he wins by decision if not ko.
Nice post, Double. I struggle with this one... I think Chandler COULD outbox Zarate. Zarate could punch like hell and his punching tecnique was excellent - and his ability to control, time and set his opponents up for big shots is underrated. But he tended to be a bit predictable and both Gomez and more importantly, Pintor (regardless of the bad decision) were able to use boxing-punching to counter Zarate and limit him. Zamora, a wide puncher, was able to get to him consistently by simply being quicker and not letting Carlos get set. Overall, Jeff Chandler displayed much more versatility as a technichian and he seemed to have the better chin....though Zarate can change all that. Certainly Zarate's resume benefitted from the taxi cab drivers of the time....and he should have gotten the W over Pintor. I do agree that Chandler could box his way past Zarate, especially given his mobility and excellent counterpunching skills. Definitely a decision, especially with the style he'd have to adopt to avoid/defuse Zarate's right hand power. But what always stymies me is whether Chandler would have the discipline to do this for 15 rounds....especially knowing that Zarate carries his power late. I think that if Zarate does stop Chandler, it's in the late rounds, when Jeff has gotten overconfident/lazy and is opening up and gets reckless. Of course, by then it's very plausible that Chandler's mobility, accumulation and better skills have worn down and opened up Zarate enough that Jeff can take a few late-round bombs and survive. I go back and forth on this one...but I'll say Chandler knows who he's up against and boxes very well, survives the late rush by Zarate and holds on to win a decision. Peace.
Two keys as to why I tend to second-guessing the outcome of this matchip from time to time. One thing about Zarate - people see his record and assume he's a one-hitter quitter, but that's not the case. He was just as effective in wearing you down. If anything, is one-shot KOs came against the cab drivers you referenced, whereas his more significant knockouts were through accumulation (save for Zamora, perhaps). But the end of your post perfectly sums it up - Chandler won't take Zarate lightly, and will be prepared enough to prevent a mental meltdown. My usual line of thinking is, in fights (among fighters in their prime) between a boxer-puncher and a puncher-boxer, the former wins so long as his chin can last, whereas the latter wins if his opponent can't take the heat. Chandler had a great chin, and enough power to prevent a bad situation from getting worse.
