Astana Arlans Kazakhstan began the defence of their World Series of Boxing title with a stylish 4-1 victory against Azerbaijan Baku Fires in Karaganda ©WSB

Astana Arlans Kazakhstan began the defence of their World Series of Boxing (WSB) title with a stylish 4-1 victory against Azerbaijan Baku Fires in Karaganda.

Light flyweight star Temirtas Zhussupov got the hosts off to a strong start against WSB debutant Javid Dadashov in the evening’s opening bout.

The 28 year-old was faster than his young opponent, never letting up his intensity until the final bell, and a unanimous decision from the judges gave Arlans the lead.

Their two-time WSB champion Meirbolat Toitov then doubled the advantage, narrowly beating the aggressive Iarash Magomedov in a gripping encounter at bantamweight.

The 2-0 lead took the pressure off Arlans' own heavyweight debutant Yerkin Mukhametzhan, in for the injured Vassiliy Levit, up against the strong southpaw Haji Murtazaliyev.

After a nervy start, Mukhametzhan landed a dangerous body blow in the third round and began to grow in stature, taking the judges' decision and securing the Arlans their first win of Season VI.

Astana team captain Samat Bashenov could not enter the line-up, with Askhat Ualikhanov deputising against Baku Fires' Gaybatulla Gadzhialiyev, a London 2012 Olympian.

His Azeri opponent proved the stronger boxer over five rounds at light-welterweight, notching the Fires an important first victory of the new season against the reigning champions.

Kazakhstan controlled the final bout of the match to seal a comfortable victory overall, with national champion Meirim Nursultanov showing why he is going to be one to watch this year, defeating Baku's Georgian boxer Badri Khardzhiani in emphatic fashion at middleweight.

Mexico Guerreros claimed a 4-1 win over Morocco Atlas Lions
Mexico Guerreros claimed a 4-1 win over Morocco Atlas Lions ©WSB

Mexico Guerreros matched Arlans' margin of victory against Morocco Atlas Lions at the Unidad Deportiva IV Centenario in Aguascalientes.

Following a productive campaign in Season V that took the Guerreros all the way to the semi-finals, an uncompromising display of boxing ensured their first win of the season in Group B.

Meanwhile, Uzbekistan Tigers got their first WSB campaign off to a flying start as they subjected Puerto Rico Hurricanes to a 5-0 whitewash at the Coliseo Pedrin Zorrila in San Juan.  

WSB action is scheduled to resume on Friday (January 29) as Argentina Condors welcome Caciques de Venezuela to Buenos Aires.