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.
Earlier in the week, Itauma said Hrgovic - who has repeatedly labelled him a "kid" - was beginning to get under his skin.
"I don't know, I just lost it a little bit. I had a little itch and I had to scratch it," Itauma said.
Before the fracas, an in-shape Hrgovic had weighed in at his lightest in seven years - 16st 12lb (107kg), 12 pounds lighter than for his victory over Dave Allen in May.
Itauma, who would also become the second-youngest world champion from Britain if he wins, weighed 17st 4lb (110kg), the same as for his victory over Jermaine Franklin in March.
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.
Earlier in the week, Itauma said Hrgovic - who has repeatedly labelled him a "kid" - was beginning to get under his skin.
"I don't know, I just lost it a little bit. I had a little itch and I had to scratch it," Itauma said.
Before the fracas, an in-shape Hrgovic had weighed in at his lightest in seven years - 16st 12lb (107kg), 12 pounds lighter than for his victory over Dave Allen in May.
Itauma, who would also become the second-youngest world champion from Britain if he wins, weighed 17st 4lb (110kg), the same as for his victory over Jermaine Franklin in March.
Related Coverage
- BBCMoses Itauma vs Filip Hrgovic: Weigh-in turns heated with push and slap after final face off for IBF heavyweight world title fight â Sky Sports
- Moses Itauma, Filip HrgoviÄ involved in heated scuffle during title fight weigh-in â ESPNâStarting to wind me upâ: Itauma rebuffs Hrgovic before world heavyweight title fight
- ESPNâStarting to wind me upâ: Itauma rebuffs Hrgovic before world heavyweight title fight â The Guardian
- Reality check: just how good is Britainâs Moses Itauma? The expert view â The Guardian
