Hrgovic slaps Itauma after being pushed off stage at Spitalfields Market weigh-in
Filip Hrgovic slapped Moses Itauma after being shoved off the stage during Friday's ceremonial weigh-in at London's Spitalfields Market for Saturday's vacant IBF heavyweight title fight. The 34-year-old Croat climbed back on to the small stage, reached through security and struck the 21-year-old British challenger before stewards separated the pairs' teams.
The bout is for the vacant IBF heavyweight title and is scheduled to take place at London's O2 Arena on Saturday, with Itauma bidding to become the second-youngest heavyweight champion in history. The 21-year-old, unbeaten in 14 pro fights, had generally refused to engage with Hrgovic's attempts to unsettle him during fight week, but the pair exchanged expletives during a charged face-off; Hrgovic has repeatedly labelled Itauma a "kid".
The incident unfolded as Hrgovic turned to pose for photographers and Itauma shoved him in the back, sending Hrgovic off the stage. Hrgovic then climbed back up, reached around security and slapped Itauma in the face, after which members of both teams became involved and security intervened.
Addressing the confrontation, Hrgovic said: "He pushed me first so I just gave it back. He started it," before breaking off from the interview to stare down Itauma. Earlier in the week Itauma had acknowledged losing his temper, saying: "I don't know, I just lost it a little bit. I had a little itch and I had to scratch it,"
Friday's ceremonial weigh-in drew several hundred people among food stalls and coffee kiosks in Spitalfields Market; the official weigh-in was held behind closed doors earlier in the day. Itauma walked through the crowd to loud cheers and was smiling as he moved through the market, where some attendees had come for the weigh-in and others stopped while passing through.
On the scales Hrgovic registered 16st 12lb (107kg), his lightest weight in seven years and 12 pounds lighter than for his victory over Dave Allen in May. Itauma weighed 17st 4lb (110kg), the same as he weighed for his win over Jermaine Franklin in March; Itauma has won 14 pro fights with 12 stoppages, while Hrgovic has lost once — to Daniel Dubois — in 21 bouts.
The incident did not appear premeditated, observers said, with Itauma looking irritated by Hrgovic's comments before the shove. Promoter Frank Warren commented: "He wants to stamp his authority and I think that's what he was doing there - stamping his authority before he gets in the ring," and added, "He's showing he's not fazed by what Filip brings with his experience and sterling amateur background. He's up for this, alight and on fire."
The pair will meet at the O2 Arena on Saturday for the vacant IBF heavyweight title; a victory for Itauma would make him the second-youngest world champion from Britain if he wins.
