Bernard Hopkins vs Jermain Taylor
On July 16, 2005, Bernard Hopkins (46-2-1, 32 KOs), the undisputed middleweight world champion, holding the WBA (Undisputed), WBC, IBF, WBO, and The Ring belts, defends his undisputed championship against fellow American challenger, Jermain Taylor (23-0, 17 KOs).
Hopkins vs Taylor Stats
Bernard Hopkins is coming in to the fight on a 20-fight win streak with a 65% KO rate; his last fight was a unanimous decision win over Howard Eastman, 4 months and 27 days ago. Jermain Taylor is on a 23-fight win streak with a 73% KO rate, with his last fight being a 3rd round TKO win over Daniel Edouard, 4 months and 27 days ago.
Hopkins vs Taylor Prediction & Odds
Although the odds are slightly in favor of Jermain Taylor at 51.6-48.4, it would be fair to consider this a 50-50 fight. Taylor has a slightly better chance of winning, but Hopkins could also certainly pull it off.
Hopkins vs Taylor Result
Jermain Taylor defeated Bernard Hopkins via split decision and wins the WBA (Undisputed), WBC, IBF, WBO, and The Ring middleweight world champion — and becomes the undisputed middleweight world champion — in his first world-title fight. Taylor improves his record to 24-0, while Hopkins adds a loss to his record at 46-3-1.