James DeGale produced a fine performance to win the vacant IBF super-middleweight title with a unanimous points victory over American Andre Dirrell in Boston.
De Gale is the first British fighter to win Olympic gold and a world title after his success at the Beijing Games in 2008.
London's De Gale, 29, was arguably behind early on as Dirrell made a storming start to the match despite being floored twice in the second round.
"It's an unbelievable feeling, I'm world champ - I made history," said DeGale.
"I will take on any super-middleweight in the world. There's no other super-middleweight that would beat me on my day."
But De Gale steadied himself, and produced a blistering recovery to earn a unanimous points decision.
DeGale improves his record to 21 wins and one defeat while Michigan fighter Dirrell's record moves to 24 wins and two defeats, but his heart could never be questioned.
The British fighter claimed the win on all three judges' cards with success by 117-109, 114-112, 114-112.
source:eurosport