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The British challenger acquitted himself well and tried to dictate, but he failed to break down the American.

Hopkins, 40, connected with several shuddering over-the-top right hands as he sealed his 20th straight defence.

And although Eastman stood up to every punch, he was unable to land enough and lost 119-110 117-111 116-112 on points.

It was a tribute to Eastman's reputation that a number of elite boxers were on hand for the Los Angeles showdown, with all four major belts - WBC, WBA, WBO and IBF - at stake.

He didn't fight like a true champion - he has got to give me a rematch Howard Eastman

Former heavyweight champion Mike Tyson was at ringside, as was Thomas "Hitman" Hearns and Mexican legend Marco Antonio Barrera.

And, although the fight was not the classic everyone hoped for, it certainly had its moments.

After two cagey rounds - greeted in true Hollywood fashion by boos - Eastman showed that he had come to box by going on the offensive.

MOST TITLE DEFENCES 25 Joe Louis (heavy) 23 Dariusz Michalczewski (light heavy) 21 Sven Ottke (super middle) Ricardo Lopez (light fly) 20 Larry Holmes (heavy) Bernard Hopkins (middle)

But the "Battersea Bomber" found it very difficult to pick the lock-tight defence of Hopkins, who looked as fresh and fit as a man half his age.

Eastman's predicted fifth-round knockout failed to materialise and he was picked off with some clubbing rights.

And the fight threatened to bubble over in round eight when the boxers traded blows well after the bell.

But by this stage Hopkins was well ahead on points and the crafty American kept his chin clear of trouble in the closing rounds to seal a deserved win.

Eastman takes a hell of a shot - I give him a B-minus Bernard Hopkins

Afterwards, Eastman accused his conqueror of running scared and demanded a second crack at the titles.

"He didn't fight like a true champion - he has got to give me a rematch," said the Londoner.

"He ran from me the whole time. He was the champion in his backyard and I dictated the pace.

"I am very disappointed. He never hurt me, I felt I was hitting him and he didn't land a lot."

Hopkins, meanwhile, paid qualified tribute to his challenger.

"He takes a hell of a shot and was able to give me some good shots but I gave them back. I give him a B-minus," he said.

"The fans wanted to see a war and I gave it to them in parts but I don't fight that way, I just turn it up when I have to."

Of his 20th-straight defence, Hopkins added: "No other middleweight has accomplished that and it's an honour to make history at the age of 40."

And he hinted that he might next fight talented compatriot Jermain Taylor, who brushed aside Daniel Edouard inside three rounds on the undercard.