JULIO CESAR CHAVEZ Jr. W10 MATT VANDA

There was a lot to like about Julio Cesar Chavez Jr.’s performance in outpointing the always rugged and game Matt Vanda in Saturday’s PPV main event.

Chavez showed nice composure and combinations, and his stamina was just fine in this junior middleweight rematch after a worrying late-rounds fade when he won a split decision over Vanda in Mexico in July. It now seems clear that Chavez was, as he says, simply unwell in that fight.

Vanda gave a good effort but this was a much easier night for Chavez than in the first meeting, and he even dropped his hands in a show of complete confidence, copping a right-hander needlessly. Vanda, though, is not a seriously hard hitter, so no harm done.

I liked the consistency of Chavez. He paced himself well but made sure he opened up with bursts of punches in every round to keep in control of the fight.

It does seem clear, though, that Chavez is not really a big puncher, not now that he is meeting the more durable types who don’t fold easily. He never had Vanda in the slightest trouble, and the sturdy battler from Minnesota seemed to be enjoying the fight.

Yet while Chavez is no longer likely to be blowing people out the way he once was, his boxing skills appear to have improved. After being booed in Mexico when he struggled in the late rounds against Vanda, this time Chavez heard the cheers. It was a mature, pleasing performance. He redeemed himself.