I can't think of a better way to end this momentous night/morning of boxing than on that tweet from American promoter Lou DiBella. What a time for Great Britain.

If you missed it, Tyson Fury is a world heavyweight champion after a remarkable night in Dusseldorf and some 3,500 miles away, James DeGale took care of business.

It has been something of a special few hours. Take a look at the BBC Sport boxing index to see all of the reaction and follow-on stories.

Thanks for being with us, farewell.

Well, in an eventful night, well-known promoter Lou Di Bella, who also featured in the last Rocky film, toasts a new golden era for British boxing.

Former international footballer Carlton Palmer believes DeGale's performance was good enough to tempt Carl Froch into another big fight at Wembley Stadium...

Lucian Bute - though game throughout - will now find himself on the long road to boxing recovery if he decides to fight on. Just a few defeats in this sport can lave one in limbo.

In contrast, James DeGale, who has battled injury in recent years before claiming his title, will continue to see his options expand. Big arenas, big-fight cities, big-name opponents. Oh yes, it's good to be 'Chunky'.

Former world champion Pauli Malignaggi has been swept along by six hours of top-level action...

Asked if WBC title holder Badou Jack is his next focus DeGale replies: "Vegas. April next year let's do it, let's unify titles. WBC and IBF world titles."

James DeGale reacts to his first defence of the IBF title: "I said Lucian Bute is a world class fighter. I'm young, fresh and peaking now but all credit to him. Hes a champion and believe me he will be back. 

"I think my defence was alright, I still have to work on things. The next three or four years, that's when I'll be at my best."

Wow, the finish by Lucian Bute certainly prompted a worry but DeGale wins by street on the judges' cards. 

He was slick in there, of that there is no doubt, but he arguably brought problems to his own door by easing off in parts and allowing his opponent to constantly take the centre of the ring.

Job done though, who is next in line?

Image source, BBC Sport

The boos ring out. James DeGale will care little, he takes a unanimous decision and it's by some margin.

It's 116-112, 117-111 and 117-111.

Image source, Getty Images

It's a performance which may draw some questions of James DeGale. He started well but couldn't put the hammer down and get his man out of there. 

Interestingly, neither fighter really celebrated. They know this is close.

James DeGale poked his tongue out but that was as colourful as it got. Eddie Hearn, DeGale's promoter, stands hands on his waist and wears a concerned look.

Surely Lucian Bute needs a knockout?

He gets through with a left hand, it's a clean shot. James DeGale has to run away briefly. We have two minutes to go... they lock horns, close together, both try an uppercut which yields little.

One minute... DeGale tries a right hand which misses, then right-left-right, all miss. These are tired shots now and Bute lands, DeGale felt it, then a jab hits his jaw. The judges will be needed and that was a strong finish from Lucian Bute. 

Ding, ding, ding.

James DeGale runs from his corner and swings a wild right hand. If that's what this final round will deliver us then strap yourselves in.

A brief pause with a couple of minutes of the round remaining as James DeGale loses his gum shield. 

Just 70 seconds of the three minutes remain, the pair are close, they could kiss one another but instead it's a right hook by DeGale which is deflected away by a glove.

More chanting for Lucian Bute but a beautiful right gets through his guard. Again though when a fighter in this contest is under pressure they react angrily and admirably. A good end to the round by Bute but that one will not be one on his scorecard.

Image source, Getty Images

There is still energy aplenty on show here. This is not like the energy-sapped ending we saw to Klitschko-Fury earlier.

Lucian Bute tries a big ranging left but it's slipped. Credit to James DeGale, his footwork and weaving is admirable defence.

"That's why your'e a world champion, that was world class."