Hopkins wins undisputed world middleweight title

Bernard "the Executioner" Hopkins became the first undisputed world middleweight champion in 14 years when he stopped Felix Trinidad in the 12th and final round at Madison Square Garden early on Sunday morning.

Hopkins was well ahead on points when he took the decision out of the hands of the judges by landing a crushing right cross to the Puerto Rican's head, and a little shove put him down with one minute and 42 seconds left on the clock.

The previously unbeaten Trinidad got to his feet, but he was clearly dazed and his legs were extremely wobbly as referee Steve Smoger waved the fight over.

Hopkins, 35, who went into the fight with the International Boxing Federation and World Boxing Council titles, captured Trinidad's World Boxing Association belt to become the first middleweight to hold all three major championships since Marvin Hagler ruled the division from 1980 to 1987.

He also equalled Argentine Carlos Monzon's middleweight record of 14 successful title defences.

When the fight ended, Hopkins threw himself to the canvas, laying down and kicking his feet in joy. He then climbed up on the ropes and led the crowd in a chant of "USA, USA".

"I've always said Bernard Hopkins was a great fighter. He beat me cleanly tonight and I accept that," said the 28-year-old Trinidad, a champion at three different weights.

Hopkins, who landed twice as many punches as Trinidad -- 260 to 129 -- improved his win-loss-draw record to 40-2-1. It was the first defeat of Trinidad's career and came in his 41st fight.

"I'm the best middleweight in the world. I just needed an opportunity to prove it," said Hopkins.