Bloodied Sammy Vasquez wins unanimous decision over Wale Omotoso

LAS VEGAS - Sammy Vasquez and Wale Omotoso engaged in a good action fight Sunday, and both guys will be welcomed back on TV.

Vasquez, his face a crimson mask, came out on top, though, via unanimous decision (all three judges scored it 98-92) from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in the co-feature of PBC on CBS.

Omotoso (25-2, 21 KOs) didn't get going until the second half, but once he timed Vasquez, he began to make him pay. "Lucky Boy" cut Vasquez over the right eye in Round 4, busted his nose with a wicked uppercut in Round 8, and then opened a large gash on his forehead in the ninth from an accidental head butt. Vasquez also suffered a cut from a clash of heads in Round 6, and an accidental elbow in the seventh.

Vasquez (19-0, 13 KOs) never stopped coming forward, though. The former U.S. Army sergeant served two tours in Iraq and braved through the various injuries and blood that covered his face.

"He does hit hard but it's nothing I haven't seen before," Vasquez said.

Sammy Vasquez, with a bloodied face, returns to his corner during his welterweight fight against Wale Omotoso.

The two traded furious shots throughout as the action ebbed and flowed. Vasquez dominated the first half of the 10-round affair with a concentrated body attack that led to big blows upstairs. Omotoso, 30, sought to land one good counter shot but seemed uncomfortable with the fast pace.

The 29-year-old sent Omotoso's mouthpiece flying with a powerful overhand left in Round 5 and seemed to stun the Nigerian on a few occasions. Omotoso was able to dig deep and rally, though. He began to exert more pressure as Vasquez ditched the body attack and had Vasquez holding in Round 7, the result of a big right that snapped the Monessen, Pa., native's head back

Omotoso's other career defeat came to Jessie Vargas in 2013 on HBO.

The win represents the most significant of Vasquez's career, and he's likely to secure a more notable bout next in the loaded welterweight division.

"We needed to move out of Pittsburgh to generate more fans," said Vasquez. "I have an exciting fighting style and I like to bring it to my opponents, like I showcased tonight. I hope I created some more fans here that want to follow me and be a part of this success."