George Kambosos Jr remained relevant in the lightweight boxing division and added another belt to his collection, with a controversial and unconvincing majority points decision over English veteran Maxi Hughes in Shawnee, Oklahoma.
One judge scored the fight 114-114 and the other two had it 117-111 and 115-113 in Kambosos’s favour.
The result drew boos from the crowd, with ringside commentators and social media widely favouring Hughes.
Former unified lightweight champion Kambosos (21-2, 10 KOs) said before the fight he wanted to destroy Hughes (26-6, 5 KOs) but the 33-year-old southpaw fought in smart fashion and never appeared in trouble.
The bout was an eliminator for the IBF title held by Devin Haney, who defeated Kambosos in the Australian’s last two fights.
With Haney considered likely to move up to junior welterweight, 30 year-old Sydneysider Kambosos could fight No.1 contender Gustavo Lemos of Argentina for a vacant title.
Hughes, who had won his past seven fights, lost his IBO lightweight world title to Kambosos, though that organisation is not considered one of the major governing bodies in the sport.
Kambosos was adamant he won most rounds, but gave credit to Hughes.
“A lot of guys coming off losses wouldn’t want to take a test like him, a champion, a guy who has been on a big win streak,” Kambosos said.
“This was a hard challenge and big credit to Maxi Hughes.
“I got through this fight, I believe that the majority of rounds I won, and I move ready to the next step.”
Former feather and super featherweight world champion, Shakur Stevenson, who is now campaigning at lightweight, was at ringside, but Kambosos had another big name in mind as a prospective opponent.
“Shakur Stevenson is a great fighter; Vasyl Lomachenko, I believe that’s the next fight to be done,” Kambosos said.
Kambosos landed several single power shots through the fight, but was unable to sustain pressure on the crafty Yorkshireman.
The Australian threw more punches but landed at a lower percentage than Hughes, who countered well and controlled range for most of the fight.
Kambosos threw plenty of jabs, but many fell short and didn’t score.
Asked for his reaction to the decision, Hughes said: “It were a bit of kick in bollocks if I’m honest. Sorry for swearing, but I’m absolutely devastated.
"I should have had my belt coming home, I should have got my hand raised, but I don’t want to take George’s moment.”
Queensland heavyweight Joseph Goodall had a meritorious win on the undercard in Oklahoma.
Goodall, whose only loss was to Justis Hunt, improved his record to 10-1-1 (9 KOs) with a sixth round TKO upset of the more favoured American Stephan Shaw (18-2, 13 KOs).