McComb, who took third place at the inaugural edition of the Games in Azerbaijan's capital Baku in 2015, defeated Erik Agateljan of the Czech Republic at the Lokomotyv Sports Palace, a 3,000 capacity venue.

The Belfast boxer claimed a unanimous points decision victory in the light welterweight clash.

McComb faces a difficult challenge in the next round as he meets the top seed and the reigning world champion Vitaly Dunaytsev.

England's European under-22 champion Luke McCormack won his light welterweight contest.

He defeated the current Ukrainian national champion Mger Oganisian on a split decision verdict.

Germany's Nanjing 2014 Youth Olympic Games gold medallist and European under-22 champion Peter Kadiru won his opening super heavyweight bout.

Mitchell Barton of Scotland was his victim as Kadiru claimed a unanimous points victory.

There was further delight for Germany as Wladislaw Baryshnik scored a split decision win over Georgia's Lasha Guruli in the light welterweight category.

Richard Kovacs of Hungary also won in the light welterweight competition.

He claimed a comprehensive points success over Finland's Rasmus Bergman.

Nine members of Russia’s delegation for the European  Championships, including top boxer Georgy Kushitashvili, were reportedly denied entry to host country Ukraine in the build-up to the event. 

Competition in Kharkiv is acting as a qualifier for the World Championships, which are due to be held in German city Hamburg from August 25 and September 3.