British heavyweight Moses Itauma pushed Filip Hrgovic off the stage during the ceremonial weigh-in for Saturday's vacant IBF title bout at London's Spitalfields Market. Hrgovic climbed back up and slapped Itauma through security before members of both teams became involved. Itauma, 21, will fight for the vacant IBF heavyweight title at London's O2 Arena, aiming to become the second-youngest heavyweight champion in history. The 34-year-old Hrgovic responded after being pushed, saying "He pushed me first so I just gave it back. He started it."

The heated face-off came after Itauma refused to engage with Hrgovic's attempts to rile him during fight week. Earlier, Itauma had said Hrgovic - who repeatedly labeled 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.

Hrgovic weighed in at his lightest in seven years - 16st 12lb (107kg), 12 pounds lighter than for his victory over Dave Allen in May. Itauma weighed 17st 4lb (110kg), the same as for his victory over Jermaine Franklin in March. Promoter Frank Warren said Itauma was "showing he's not fazed by what Filip brings with his experience and sterling amateur background."

The incident did not appear premeditated, with Itauma looking irritated by what Hrgovic was saying before the shove.