Clemente Russo's unanimous points victory helped Italia Thunder win their opening WSB fixture of the season ©Getty Images

A unanimous points decision in favour of Clemente Russo handed Italia Thunder a thrilling 3-2 win in their opening World Series of Boxing (WSB) match of the season today.

The heavyweight was judged to have performed better in the ring against British Lionhearts fighter Josip-Bepo Filipi in the winner-takes-all clash in Group B.

The three officials scoring the bout all gave Russo the first four rounds 10:9 before Makfouni Bdellatif, from Morocco, broke the pattern by awarding the Croatian the final round.

Last year’s beaten finalists got off to a good start in Rome when Rio 2016 Olympian Galal Yafai, fighting for the first time since the Games, saw off Federico Serra in the light-flyweight bout.

Galal Yafai, left, had got the evening off to a positive start for the British Lionhearts ©Getty Images
Galal Yafai, left, had got the evening off to a positive start for the British Lionhearts ©Getty Images

Francesco Maietta levelled proceedings though in the bantamweight fight as he scored a unanimous points victory over Jack Bateson.

The light-welterweight match-up saw Paolo di Lernia take on Dalton Smith and the latter put the Lionhearts back ahead with a split points victory.

However, Salvatore Cavallaro scored an equalising point for the hosts in the middleweight bout with a unanimous points success over Luka Plantic, setting up the crucial heavyweight clash which his team-mate won.

Tomorrow, Morocco Atlas Lions welcome France Fighting Roosters in Group B.