Taylor Takes Title, Ends Hopkins' Streak at 20!

Jermain Taylor has won a split decision over Bernard Hopkins to take the undisputed middleweight title and end Hopkins' streak of successful title defenses at 20. Taylor did nothing spectacular to take the title, he simply outworked Hopkins over the first eight rounds. After digging himself a huge hole - bascially needing to score at least a knockdown at some point to win the fight - Hopkins finally stepped up his pace and won rounds nine through twelve. However, it was too little, too late as the judges scored the bout 115-113, 115-113 Taylor, 116-112 Hopkins. The fight was close enough that it could have been scored a draw or even given to Hopkins based on how strongly he finished. However, Bernard Hopkins has no one but himself to blame for losing the fight. He didn't get beat by a better fighter. Hopkins was simply outhustled by a hungrier fighter. Inexcusable. The contract for the fight contained a rematch clause so fight fans can expect to see Hopkins-Taylor II before the end of the year.