Samofalov is hoping to replicate the form which saw him win men’s 69 kilogram welterweight bronze in the city at last year’s European Games and delivered a fine performance against Istafanos.

The 21-year-old controlled the contest from the outset and eventually was award a unanimous points victory over his Australian opponent.

Elsewhere in the weight division, France’s Souleymane Diop Cissokho defeated South Korea’s Lee Dongjin in every round of his contest to progress, while Moldova’s Vasilii Belous beat Mexico’s Juan Pablo Romero Marin 30-27, 30-27, 29-28.

Kosovo’s Armend Xhoxhaj was triumphant in his men’s 91kg heavyweight contest with India’s Amritpreet Singh, after a tough battle between two closely matched boxers.

Xhoxhaj was awarded a split decision verdict by the judges at the close of the contest to move into the next round of the competition.

Nigeria’s Efetobor Wesley Apochi, who won bronze at the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games, also emerged as a split decision winner.

The 28-year-old defeated Belarus’ Siarhei Karneyeu 30-27, 30-27, 28-29.

A total of 39 Olympic places are on offer during the tournament in Baku, which runs until June 25.

The top five boxers at flyweight, bantamweight, lightweight, light welterweight, welterweight, middleweight and light heavyweight will all earn Olympic berths.

In addition two spots are available at light heavyweight, with only the winners in Baku progressing at heavyweight and super heavyweight.