March 30, 2008	Sunday	Rabi-ul-Awwal 21, 1429

TOKYO, March 29: Japan’s Takefumi Sakata overwhelmed challenger and countryman Shingo Yamaguchi to retain his World Boxing Association (WBA) flyweight title on Saturday with a unanimous points decision.

It was Sakata’s third defence of the title, with the three judges scoring the 12-round bout at Makuhari International Convention Complex 116-112, 115-113 and 116-112, in favour of the 28-year-old champion.

Yamaguchi, also 28, who made his second challenge for a world title, got off to an aggressive start with precise counterpunches against the champion.

The shorter Yamaguchi knocked Sakata down with a powerful right straight at the outset of the third round to suggest an upset was on the cards.

But that awoke the champion, who then unleashed an array of punches to find his rhythm.

Although he cut his right eyelid, caused by an accidental butting in the fifth round, Sakata continued to fire accurate punches to Yamaguchi’s face and stomach to remain in control for the remainder of the fight.

“I was able to keep my cool,” Sakata said. “I was able to see all the punches of the opponent.”

Sakata improved his record to 32 wins, including 15 KOs, four defeats and two draws.

Yamaguchi, ranked seventh in the WBA, saw his record reduced to 22 wins, including eight KOs, against five defeats and two draws.

“I handed (away) the initiative in the second half of the bout,” Yamaguchi said, voicing hope for another tilt at a world title.—AFP