Tensions boiled over between Moses Itauma and Filip Hrgovic when they came face-to-face for the final time before stepping through the ropes in London this weekend.
What was already an intriguing heavyweight clash was recently boosted by the addition of the vacant IBF world title on the line. For Itauma, it is a chance to become the second ever youngest heavyweight champion in the sport’s history. In the opposite corner, Hrgovic could become Croatia’s first ever belt holder in the division.
Given the raised stakes, and the general pressure surrounding the fight, it was not wildly surprising that the men clashed at the weigh-in, however few would expect it to the extent it did. A push from the Brit sent Hrgovic off stage. Whether or not it was deliberate didn’t matter to the underdog, who slapped Itauma in response.
HRGOVIC GOT HIM BACK WITH A SLAP 😠
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Speaking to The Stomping Ground soon after, promoter Frank Warren expressed his disappointment.
“I don’t want that. I don’t like all that stuff. Obviously, he didn’t mean to push him off the stage, that was unfortunate. These guys are hotted up, it’s a big moment for both of them in their careers.
“The tension’s been building up all week and it spilled over when they were both talking. How I read it, basically [Moses] said, ‘I’m not a kid, don’t try to old man me,’ and that happened … They’re fighting men saying what they’re saying, and it led to a moment I’d have preferred not to happen.”
Both men will now retreat with their teams, focused on not letting this evening’s clash alter game plans tomorrow night under the lights.
