Russian heavyweight Artur Beterbiev has scraped past Michael Hunter Jnr of the United States courtesy of a count-back.

The American got the better of a close first round, landing with the right a few times to take a 4-3 lead at the end of the three minutes.

Hunter was composed and looked to have the measure of his opponent, once again finding the target with the right.

Beterbiev was doing all of his good work on the inside, but both sets of legs had started to look weary as they entered the final round.

Hunter, leading by one, was the man who was noticeably flagging, resorting to clinching as he tried to hang on for the victory.

However, after scoring the bout 10-10, the judges deemed that Beterbiev had done enough to progress.