Hopkins defends title for 20th time

HOWARD EASTMAN pushed Bernard Hopkins all the way but failed to land the undisputed world middleweight title at the Staples Center in Los Angeles.

Eastman dropped a unanimous 119-110, 117-111, 116-112 points verdict to the champion who successfully negotiated one of his toughest tests to defend the title for an unprecedented 20th time.

There could be few arguments about the verdict, with Hopkins’ cleaner work ultimately proving decisive in repelling the spirited advances of the Englishman.