Posted at 7:01 a.m., Sunday, July 1, 2007
Boxing: Japan's Sakata captures WBA flyweight title
Associated Press
TOKYO — Takefumi Sakata of Japan defeated Panama's Roberto Vasquez on a unanimous decision today in a WBA flyweight title decider.Sakata used a barrage of punches to the head in the late rounds and was never seriously challenged in the 12-rounder at Ariake Colosseum in Tokyo.
The three judges scored the fight 115-113, 116-112, 116-112 all in favor of Sakata.
Sakata improved to 31-4-1 with 15 KOs while Vasquez dropped to 24-2 with 17 KOs.
Sakata and Vasquez fought last December in France when the Panamanian won on a split decision with the WBA interim flyweight title at stake because champion Lorenzo Parra was injured.
In March, Parra lost by TKO against Sakata, who became the flyweight champion with the obligation of facing Vasquez.
