Hrgovic and Itauma clash at weigh-in ahead of IBF heavyweight title fight

Chaos erupted at the ceremonial weigh‑in for the vacant IBF heavyweight title when Filip Hrgovic was pushed off the stage by Moses Itauma and then slapped the British fighter. The incident took place in London’s Spitalfields Market on Friday, just days before the bout at the O2 Arena on Saturday.

The fight, which will decide the IBF heavyweight champion, pits 34‑year‑old Croatian Hrgovic against 21‑year‑old British prospect Itauma. Itauma is chasing the chance to become the second‑youngest heavyweight champion in history, while Hrgovic, who has a single defeat to Briton Daniel Dubois, seeks to cement his status as a top‑tier contender.

During the weigh‑in, Hrgovic was in top shape, weighing 16 st 12 lb (107 kg), his lightest weight in seven years. Itauma weighed 17 st 4 lb (110 kg), the same as for his March victory over Jermaine Franklin. The two men had been exchanging expletives in a heated face‑off before the altercation. Hrgovic was preparing for photographs when Itauma shoved him from behind, sending the Croat tumbling off the small stage. Security rushed in as the two fighters began to fight. Hrgovic climbed back onto the stage, reached through security and slapped Itauma in the face. Members of both camps and security personnel intervened, separating the fighters.

“I pushed me first so I just gave it back. He started it,” Hrgovic said after the incident, before walking away to stare down Itauma. Earlier in the week, Itauma had said Hrgovic had repeatedly called him a “kid” and 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,” he said.

Promoter Frank Warren commented on the fight. “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,” Warren said. “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.” Warren’s remarks underscore the high stakes of the bout and the tension that has built over the fight week.

The weigh‑in was held in the historic market, drawing several hundred spectators who had come specifically to watch the event or were simply passing through. Itauma walked through the crowd to loud cheers, smiling as he made his way through the stalls. The crowd’s energy was palpable, but the sudden clash between the two fighters cut short the festive atmosphere.

Both fighters have impressive records. Hrgovic has 21 bouts with a single loss, while Itauma has 14 professional fights, 12 of which ended in stoppage. Their styles are markedly different: Hrgovic is known for his experience and solid amateur pedigree, whereas Itauma is celebrated for his knockout power and rising reputation in the sport.

The incident has raised questions about the safety and conduct of the fighters before the bout. While the clash was not premeditated, the exchange of words and physical contact could potentially impact the fighters’ mental preparation and the event’s overall security. Authorities have not yet announced any disciplinary action, but the fight’s promoters and boxing authorities will likely review the incident.

The match is scheduled for Saturday at the O2 Arena, where the fighters will compete for the vacant IBF heavyweight title. If Itauma wins, he will become the second‑youngest world champion in boxing history. Hrgovic, on the other hand, will aim to retain his standing as a top contender and to prove he can handle the pressure of a high‑profile title fight.

As the event approaches, both camps will be focusing on training and strategy, while the public will be watching to see whether the tension from the weigh‑in will carry into the ring. The fight promises to be a high‑stakes encounter that could redefine the heavyweight landscape in the coming months.