Before I make a big blunder. these two never did meet? If not Why? They were both on the Middleweight scene at about the same time.
Going from memory.... I believe Zale preferred "other" options after coming back from military service. Again, this is carefully choosing risks (Lamotta & the like) for reward (the ever popular Graziano for $$). Graziano had a popular, Gatti like following.