Chaos erupted at the weigh-in for Saturday's world-title bout when British heavyweight Moses Itauma pushed Filip Hrgovic off the stage, with the Croatian responding by slapping Itauma.
The incident occurred during a charged face-off between the two boxers ahead of their fight for the vacant IBF heavyweight title at London's O2 Arena. Itauma, 21, who is bidding to become the second-youngest heavyweight champion in history, had previously refused to engage with Hrgovic's attempts to provoke him during fight week.
During the face-off, after exchanging expletives, Hrgovic turned to pose for photographs. Itauma then shoved him in the back, causing Hrgovic to fall off the stage.
Hrgovic climbed back onto the stage, reached through security personnel, and slapped Itauma in the face. Members of both fighters' teams became involved before security intervened to separate them.
"He pushed me first so I just gave it back. He started it," Hrgovic stated after the altercation, before turning to stare down Itauma again.
