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Hopkins, 40, was champion for 10 years, the third longest reign in boxing history, and was making a record 21st defence against the 26-year-old.

Taylor began stronger but slowed after a bloody clash of heads in the fifth.

Hopkins sparked to life in the 10th but failed to finish Taylor off, and looked amazed when the result was announced.

But the champion was below his brilliant best for much of the contest before exploding to life late on, rattling Taylor with some fierce combinations.

From the fifth or sixth round, I just dominated the fight. Maybe the only thing I didn't do was knock him out Former champion Bernard Hopkins

Hopkins had a chance to knock down his challenger in the 10th and battered him onto the ropes in the penultimate round.

But Taylor, who had worked harder early on before fading slightly, held on to take a deserved - if slender - win.

"Bad Intentions" was predictably thrilled by his shock 115-113, 115-113, 112-116 points victory.

"He never hurt me. He got some good punches in, but he never hurt me," he said.

"It felt great, I felt like crying," he said when asked how it felt to hear himself confirmed as world champion.

He also confirmed he was keen for a rematch.

I'm not a Hopkins fan but he was a tad unlucky not to get the verdict From D Have your say on Five Live

"He's an awesome fighter and I will always respect him," Taylor said.

"I learned so much in the fight that I can't wait for a rematch."

Hopkins had saluted the crowd by climbing on the ropes on the final bell, and clearly felt he had done enough to avoid his first defeat since losing to Roy Jones Jr 12 years ago.

"From the fifth or sixth round, I just dominated the fight. Maybe the only thing I didn't do was knock him out," he said.