British heavyweight Moses Itauma pushed Filip Hrgovic off the stage before the Croat slapped him as chaos erupted at the weigh-in for Saturday’s world-title bout.
The pair will fight for the vacant IBF heavyweight title at London’s O2 Arena, with Itauma bidding to become the second-youngest heavyweight champion in history.
The 21-year-old had refused to engage with Hrgovic’s attempts to rile him during fight week but was in a fierce mood as the pair exchanged expletives during a charged face-off.
As Hrgovic turned to pose for photographs, Itauma shoved him in the back, sending the 34-year-old off the stage.
Hrgovic climbed back up, reached through security and slapped the Chatham fighter in the face before members of both teams became involved as security separated them.
“He pushed me first so I just gave it back. He started it,” Hrgovic said, before breaking off from the interview to stare down Itauma.