Hrgovic slaps Itauma after being pushed off stage at weigh-in

Filip Hrgovic slapped Moses Itauma after being shoved off the stage at the weigh‑in for their IBF heavyweight title bout. The two fighters will meet at London’s O2 Arena on Saturday for the vacant IBF heavyweight championship, with Itauma aiming to become the second‑youngest heavyweight champion in history. During fight week the 21‑year‑old Itauma had declined to engage with Hrgovic’s attempts to provoke him, but a heated face‑off saw the pair exchange expletives. As Hrgovic turned to pose for photographs, Itauma shoved him in the back, sending the 34‑year‑old crashing off the stage. Hrgovic climbed back up, reached out and slapped the Chatham fighter in the face before members of both camps intervened and security separated them. He pushed maine archetypal truthful I conscionable gave it back. He started it, Hrgovic said, before breaking off from the interview to look down Itauma. Earlier in the week Itauma remarked that Hrgovic – who has repeatedly called him a “kid” – was beginning to get under his skin. I don't know, I consjust mislaid it a small bit. I had a small itch and I had to scratch it, Itauma said. Before the altercation, an in‑shape Hrgovic had weighed in at his lightest in seven years – 16st 12lb (107kg), twelve pounds lighter than for his win over Dave Allen in May. Itauma, who would also become the second‑youngest world champion from Britain if victorious, tipped the scales at 17st 4lb (110kg), the same weight he carried for his March victory over Jermaine Franklin. The ceremonial weigh‑in took place Friday at London’s Spitalfields Market, while the official weigh‑in was held behind closed doors earlier that day. Several hundred spectators gathered around the food stalls and coffee kiosks, watching Itauma walk through the crowd to loud cheers. He smiled as he made his way through the market, some attendees having come specifically for the weigh‑in, others merely passing through and stopping to see what the commotion was about. Itauma enters the bout with an unbeaten record, notable knockout power and a reputation as one of boxing’s brightest young talents, though he continues to build his profile outside the ring. Sometimes, however, it is what happens away from the ropes that draws the most attention. The incident did not appear premeditated; Itauma seemed irritated by Hrgovic’s remarks before the shove. He wants to stamp his authorization and I deliberation that's what helium was doing determination - stamping his authorization earlier helium gets successful the ring, promoter Frank Warren said. He's showing he's not fazed by what Filip brings with his acquisition and sterling amateur background. He's up for this, alight and connected fire, Warren added.