Hopkins loses bout and title to Taylor

LAS VEGAS, July 17 (UPI) -- Longtime middleweight champion Bernard Hopkins lost his title to Jermain Taylor in a 12-round split decision.

The 40-year-old Hopkins, middleweight champion for the past 10 years, said the outcome of the fight at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas Saturday night was a matter of judges giving the fight to Taylor.

Taylor, the 2000 Olympic Bronze medalist, now has a 24-0 record and his first win in a title bout.

The loss is Hopkins' first since May 22, 1993, giving him a 46-3-1 record.

Taylor has already agreed to a rematch.