Australian fighter George Kambosos Jr has added another belt to his collection after a much-derided majority-points decision over English veteran Maxi Hughes in Shawnee, Oklahoma.

One judge scored the fight 114-114 and the other two had it 117-111 and 115-113 in Kambosos’ favour.

The result drew boos from the crowd, with ringside commentators and social media widely favouring Hughes.

The bout was an eliminator for the IBF lightweight title held by Devin Haney, who defeated Kambosos in the Australian’s last two bouts.

With Haney considered likely to move up to junior welterweight, 30-year-old Sydneysider Kambosos could fight No.1 contender Gustavo Lemos of Argentina for a vacant title.

Hughes, who had won his past seven fights, lost his IBO lightweight world title to Kambosos, though that organisation is not considered one of the major governing bodies in the sport.

Kambosos (21-2, 10 KOs) said before the fight he wanted to destroy Hughes (26-6, 5 KOs) but the 33-year-old southpaw fought in smart fashion and never appeared in trouble.

Kambosos landed several single power shots through the fight, but was unable to sustain pressure on the crafty Yorkshireman.

The Australian threw more punches but landed at a lower percentage than Hughes, who countered well and controlled range for most of the fight.

Kambosos threw plenty of jabs, but many fell short and didn’t score.

Both men were cut and bloodied in the first half of the fight.

Kambosos was cut above his right eyebrow by a Hughes left hand in the fifth round.

A cut opened up above Hughes right eyebrow in the sixth following an accidental head butt.

-AAP