It's been an amazing journey for Josh Taylor but the Scot suffered defeat after going the distance at Madison Square Garden.
The Tartan Tornado is in the Big Apple to defend his WBO Super Lightweight and Ring Magazine belts inside Madison Square Garden against Brooklyn native Teofimo Lopez.
There was no love lost between the pair going into the fight, but after Taylor controlled the early rounds he fell foul to some heavy shots in New York. The Edinburgh fighter stumbled after a series of shots and while it was a solid performance the American put on a career-defining display.
It's now a case of what next for the Scot after he ended a 15 month absence from the ring with defeat Stateside - the first of his professional career.
Our man Andy Newport is in New York and you can follow the reaction LIVE after the Scot suffered defeat.
Key Events
Taylor warns of 'no excuses'
The Tartan Tornado has opened up on his future after his first pro defeat cost him his world title.
Decision
No surprise as the result goes Lopez's way with the judges scoring the fight 115-113, 115-113 and 117-111 in the American's favour to hand Taylor his first defeat after 20 contests.
Final Round in Full
Finally some respect shown between these two when they marched out to touch gloves at the start of the final round. But it was Lopez who made contact with another vicious left hook that turned Taylor's legs to jelly yet again. The champion took some huge blows at the end but showed courage to stay on his feet. A desperately disappointing night with the result looking inevitable.
Taylor unsteady on his feet
Lopez catches the Scot with the hook and the American sense his moment. He is going all out in round 12.
A big round 12 is needed for Taylor
Can he get the KO? If not it looks like judges will give this to Lopez at this stage.
He's not performed badly but Lopez has impressed tonight.
Round 11 in Full
Taylor's family sitting ringside have been shouting themselves hoarse trying to encourage their boy on. He's plugged away the best he can but Lopez has read everything Josh has thrown, dipping out the way before responding with a stinger of his own. Lopez walked back to the corner with arms raised. There's still a round to go but he clearly thinks he's done enough already.
Lopez happy to play defence
He is inviting pressure from the Scot on now but the right jab hasn't dealt the damage Taylor would have wanted at this stage,
Into round 11
And Taylor really needs something.
The jabs are landing early on in this round but Lopez looks sharp on the defence.
Round 10 in Full
The Scot has been landing his southpaw left throughout the fight but but nearly enough to counter the repeated rights Lopez has been smashing through. We've just not seen enough of the rapid combinations that earned Taylor his Tartan Tornado nickname.
Taylor scores some jabs
The right-hand goes in but the Scot is looking very eager to put pressure on Lopez.
He knows time is against him here if we go to a decision.
Round Nine in Full
The feeling round ringside is that Taylor is at least a couple of rounds down on the scorecards and the direction in travel appears to be going away from the Scot. Lopez put the foot down in that one, smashing a clean combination off Taylor's skull before drilling another right into the ribs just as the bell sounded. Taylor needs to change this up and quick.
Uppercut again
Taylor walks into harms way and Lopez lands two big shots on the Scot's chin.
Onto round nine
Taylor needs something big soon btu Lopez bounces off the ropes and returns with a jab.
Lopez is picking his spot at this stage.
Round Eight in Full
The Scottish fans dotted round the Garden have gone a bit quiet but there is plenty noise coming from the home siupporters who are loving their man's confident display. Taylor didn't like Lopez's showboating dance routine - and he certainly enjoy a lunging left that rocked his head back again just before the end of the round.
Taylor on the defence
The Scot will need to hit one of these big counter attacks soon to derail his confidant rival who is peppering Taylor with shots.
Round eight is underway
And Taylor will be looking to make some adjustments to put the pressure on Lopez.
Round Seven in Full
Lopez is looking for a win to kick-start his career after losing his lightweight belts and he has certainly come out looking more like the fighter of old. But Taylor has a point to prove too after his Caterall controversy and he's not giving this one up, working well on the inside but perhaps shipping too many clean shots.
Lopez waiting on Taylor
He is luring the Scot in, and goes for the big upper cut.
However the left hook is countered.
Heavy head shots
They pick up where they left things in round six and exchange some big blows.
Lopez left eye is bleeding
He's dancing around the ring though despite the knock as we head into round seven.
Round Six in Full
Taylor bounced off his seat as the round started and got in early with a well-placed overhand right - but it was Teo skipping back to his corner at the end of the round after another fierce right hand slipped through his guard, shaking the Scots legs again. Taylor needs to tighhten up his defence or this may go south.
'Don't hesitate'
Taylor's corner are demanding more big shots on Lopez afer a solid start to the sixth. Can he continue his momentum?
Into the sixth
Taylor going in heavy now.
The Scot is landing some heavy hits and forcing the American into the counter attack.
It's been all out offense from these two.
Round Five in Full
Fair play to the Edinburgh man, Taylor shook off that big blow well but Lopez keeps coming at him with those powerful right hands. Taylor is landing on the counter but he could do with a few more combinations to put his opponent on the back foot.
Lopez clips Taylor
The swelling in the eye is causing the Scot problems and he is caught again in the irhgt-hand side of his face.
Taylor the aggressor
The Scot starts round five on the frnt foot.
Lopez turns away and is caught in the back of the head.
Round Four in Full
That was a big round for Lopez as he left Taylor wobbling right on the bell. He landed a flush right hand before following it up with a second. Taylor looked shell-shocked as he staggered back to his seat.
