Righto, I think that's just about us for this evening. Congratulations to James DeGale - the first British Olympic champion to win a professional world title. Night!

Steve Bunce
Boxing expert on BBC Radio 5 live

"That was about as good as it gets. DeGale was called Chunky because he was a fat kid. But you don't get to do that without spending a long time in the gym."

Image source, AP

Shohidur Rahman: DeGale did nothing in the 2nd half of the fight and he's talking himself up like he's amazing. Embarrassing

Alex Smith: Hope Groves wins his fight now. Groves vs DeGale with titles on the line would be huge.

Seraph: Very surprised at that result but well done James DeGale and another British champion so it's all good

Mark Twain: I'm watching this "live' on NBC here in USA and they gave it by 1 point on their unofficial scorecard... but well done James!

Paulie Malignaggi
Former two-weight champion on BBC Radio 5 live

"I was excited when this fight was signed. The only shame was they weren't better known over here. You rarely see guys this good taking this kind of risk. They still have this hunger.

"When you win like this, you feel a relief. The flight home will be so happy - achieving a lifelong dream. He will feel very proud."

So much for Dirrell's lack of heart, by the way, it takes something to get up after being knocked down like he was in the second round. The man from Flint, Michigan falls to 24 wins and two defeats, DeGale improves to 21 wins and one defeat. Mike Costello and Paulie Malignaggi are still nattering on 5 live, I'm sure they'll have DeGale on in a minute.

Joe Calzaghe, Welsh super-middleweight legend: "Congrats to @jamesdegale1 I think he'd whoop Froch! Predictions???"

Andy Murray, tennis star and boxing fan: "Well done to @jamesdegale1 on becoming world champion for the first time! Great effort."

Image source, Getty Images

That win for DeGale could set up a rematch with bitter domestic rival George Groves - Groves is expected to challenge Sweden's Badou Jack for the WBC super-middleweight belt later this year. One thing is for certain, Britain doesn't have a problem churning out world-class 12 stoners.

Mike Costello
BBC Radio 5 live boxing commentator in Boston

"Very few fighters have beaten an American in a world title fight in America. It's a rare achievement."

Paulie Malignaggi
Former two-weight champion on BBC Radio 5 live

"Both guys fought a tremendous fight. It shows fighters can come to the United States and get a verdict because this was very close. So many of the rounds were a toss-up."

Howard Foster of England and Daniel Fitzgerald of the united States gave it to DeGale 114-112, Canada's Alan Davis, bizarrely, 117-109. Not sure what he was watching. Whatever, James DeGale is the first British Olympic champion to win a world title in the pro ranks.

Paulie Malignaggi
Former two-weight champion on BBC Radio 5 live

"I've got it by just one point to Dirrell, he showed the mental strength he hasn't shown before."

Well, what will the judges make of that? It's Alan Davis of Canada, Daniel Fitzgerald of the United States and Howard Foster of England. But before the scores are announced and the belt awarded, we should just reflect on what a fine fight that was. Most predicted a dud, far from it.

Mike Costello
BBC Radio 5 live boxing commentator in Boston

"After all the barking and insults, there was a warm embrace, but neither man is celebrating, and I've got it as a draw."

This could be a crackerjack last round, who's got the bigger heart? Let's find out. Another slow start from DeGale, Dirrell not doing enough either. DeGale at least coming forward now, catches Dirrell with a right hook... Dirrell hits back with a left of his own... there's the bell, and that was surely DeGale's last round. For me, that was a draw...

BBC scorecard: Dirrell 113-113 DeGale

Dai Davis: DeGale going to lose this by not finishing it early. Judges away from home will give him no hope.

David Beasley: DeGale is snatching defeat from the hands of victory here. Throwing it away by not taking initiative earlier.

Cammy Renwick: DeGale barely thrown anything since 6th round!! Less chat, more punch!!

I didn't think I'd be saying this after round two, but DeGale needs a grandstand finish to win this, surely. Dirrell pins DeGale again, good right-hand counter from DeGale. But he needs more than that. DeGale floating about in there, on the outside, not sure what the game-plan is. Better, loading up and letting them go. Great left from DeGale, stands Dirrell up, and another on the bell. Maybe that's DeGale's, could go down to the wire.

BBC scorecard: Dirrell 104-103 DeGale

I can only think that when we thought DeGale was saving himself for a couple of rounds, he had actually run out of steam. Dirrell with another snappy left at the start of the round before sticking one straight down the pipe as DeGale sways on the ropes. It's difficult to remember the last punishing shot DeGale threw. Dirrell with another flurry, nothing coming back from DeGale off the ropes, another round in the bag for the American.

BBC scorecard: Dirrell 95-93 DeGale

Some of the greats are weighing in...

Image source, @ClonesCyclone

And 2000 Olympic champion Audley Harrison is following too...

Image source, Audley Harrison

Mike Costello
BBC Radio 5 live boxing commentator in Boston

"The American is getting ever more confident, that's how much he has recovered from the knockdowns in the second. The two men are barking at each other and had words at the end."

DeGale needs to do something in this round, land something of substance to make Dirrell think again. Dirrell with another left-hand counter that puts DeGale off-balance and DeGale is throwing this away at the moment, just not doing enough. Jim McDonnell in his corner has got work to do. Dirrell full of confidence now, he knows he's in control of proceedings and might have pulled ahead. DeGale sticks his tongue out, but he might be losing this.

BBC scorecard: Dirrell 85-84 DeGale