Saturday night in San Antonio, Texas, Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. decisively decisioned Bryan Vera by scores of 114-113 and 117-110 twice?
Saturday night at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas, Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. (48-1-1, 32 KOs), hailing from of Culiacan, Sinaloa, Mexico, decisively decisioned Bryan Vera (23-8, 14 KOs), from Austin, Texas, by scores of 114-113 and 117-110 twice.
Unlike their controversial first fight six months ago, this time Chavez left nothing to chance. He may have arrived late at the arena, but he was in shape, he came to fight, and was too strong and busy for the always game but limited Vera.
Fighting out of the red corner in red trunks with black and yellow trim, Chavez showed what he is capable of when he takes boxing as seriously as it deserves.
He bolted out of the gate, moving well, firing off jabs, hooks and straight rights at his impossible-to-miss opponent.
Vera, fighting out of the blue corner in white trunks trimmed with gold, knew he was going to spend the night getting hit. But he also knew he?d be able to hit back, which in the end made it all worthwhile.
Neither man is a defensive wizard. Their liabilities are begging to be exploited by fighters who can box. Yet Chavez and Vera, however rudimentary their skills, don?t let that deter them from rumbling, didn?t let it keep from delivering a darn good fight.
A relatively sparse crowd of 7,323 was on hand to watch Chavez and Vera trade rounds and punches in the first half of the bout. Chavez used his height and reach, at least initially, to maximum effect. But at heart he?s an inside fighter who wants nothing more than to mix it up. And Vera was more than happy to oblige. Chavez?s size and strength had Vera at a distinct disadvantage, but he fought as he always fights, never giving an inch, never giving less than his all, even when his all isn?t enough.
Chavez?s body shots were like money in the bank. He was landing them with thudding regularity and they took their toll in the latter rounds. Vera didn?t hit the deck?Chavez would have needed a sledgehammer to accomplish that?but he was breaking Vera down, bit by bit, round by round, even though he never quit or stopped firing back.
Vera was headhunting, that?s what he does, and landed some wicked shots on Chavez?s noggin. But his chin is the stuff of legend. (Vera?s chin isn?t bad either.) He can take it and he can dish it out, and he and Vera took turns doing both in San Antonio.
The bloom may be off the rose as far as Chavez is concerned. He may never be a great fighter as greatness is historically defined. But he is a good fighter, an entertaining fighter, who can deliver when he puts his mind to it.
When all was said and done, Chavez had landed 256 of 526 punches to Vera?s 205 of 961. But it was the power punches that made the difference. Chavez landed 192 of 312 thrown to Vera?s 123 of 527.
To those who wonder where Chavez goes from here, after the fight he said, ?I?m open to fighting anybody at 168 and maybe I?d come to 160. I?m sorry to hear about Gennady?s father, but I?m very excited to fight Gennady Golovkin. I like the fight because Gennady Golovkin is a great fighter, a strong fighter, undefeated, and one of the best in the middleweight division. I would really like that fight.?
Just the thought of it is enough to make my mouth water.
