Sakata used a barrage of punches to the head in the late rounds and was never seriously challenged in the 12-round bout at Ariake Colosseum. The three judges scored the fight 115-113, 116-112 and 116-112.

Sakata improved to 31-4-1 with 15 KOs. Vasquez dropped to 24-2 with 17 KOs.

Soccer

RAPIDS, FIRE DRAW: Matt Pickens made four saves for Chicago to help interim Fire coach Denis Hamlett earn a 0-0 tie with the Colorado Rapids on Sunday night.

The Rapids (4-7-4) ended a five-game losing streak.

Up a man after Bakary Soumare was sent off in the 83rd minute for shoving Colin Clark to the ground, Colorado misfired on two shots in stoppage time. Roberto Brown hit the crossbar half a minute before the final whistle and Dan Gargan sent a shot wide right. Ivan Guerrero's shot in the 89th went over the net.

Clark was shown a yellow for his role in the altercation.

In other MLS action, Toronto FC and Kansas City played to a 1-1 tie.