A chaotic scene unfolded at the weigh-in for Saturday's world-title bout as British heavyweight Moses Itauma pushed Filip Hrgovic off the stage. The incident, which took place at London's Spitalfields Market, saw Hrgovic retaliate by slapping Itauma.
The 21-year-old Itauma, who had reportedly been riled by Hrgovic's comments during fight week, shoved the 34-year-old Croat in the back as he turned for photographs. Hrgovic then climbed back onto the stage, reached through security, and slapped Itauma in the face, leading to further involvement from both teams before security intervened.
Hrgovic stated, "He pushed me first so I just gave it back. He started it." Itauma admitted, "I don't know, I just lost it a little bit. I had a little itch and I had to scratch it."
The two heavyweights are scheduled to compete for the vacant IBF heavyweight title at London's O2 Arena. Itauma weighed in at 17st 4lb (110kg), while Hrgovic was 16st 12lb (107kg), his lightest in seven years.