Froch stops Taylor to keep boxing crown

Undefeated British super middleweight world champion Carl Froch recovered from his first knockdown to stop US star Jermain Taylor in the 12th round and keep his title.

Froch, sent to the canvas in the third round by the former undisputed middleweight champion, answered with a punishing finish as referee Michael Ortega halting the fight after two minutes and 46 seconds of the 12th round.

The Englishman improved to 25-0 with his 20th stoppage inside the distance to retain the World Boxing Council super middleweight throne while Taylor fell to 27-3 with one drawn, losing for the third time in his past four fights.

Had the fight gone to the judges' scorecards, two of them had Taylor ahead by four points, meaning he would only have had to stay standing another 14 seconds to secure the victory.

Taylor tired as the fight wore on and in the 12th round was stunned by a right from Froch with 1:50 remaining. Taylor evaded, flailed and escaped but Froch dropped him to the canvas 45 seconds from the end with a powerful right hand.

Taylor rose and said he was ready to continue but Froch attacked with a fury and pounded 15 unanswered blows upon the challenger, whose cover began to weaken prompting Ortega to halt the fight.