Bernard Hopkins vs. Jermain Taylor, billed as Next in Line, was a professional boxing match contested on July 16, 2005 for the WBA (Undisputed), WBC, IBF, WBO, and The Ring middleweight championships.

[4][5] Taylor was able to successfully use his jab to control the action first two rounds of the fight, though neither fighter was taking any major risks.

He tended to move forward, while Hopkins was patient and waited for openings in Taylor's defence.

In the tenth round, Hopkins hurt Taylor with two right hands that made his legs wobble and forced him to clinch.

[9] Hopkins appealed the decision, but was denied by the Nevada State Athletic Commission.