Weigh-in chaos in London
A tense weigh-in at Spitalfields Market in London erupted into a physical confrontation on Friday. Moses Itauma, a 21-year-old British heavyweight, shoved Filip Hrgovic off the stage as the Croatian turned to pose for photographs. Hrgovic, 34, climbed back up and slapped Itauma through security before team members intervened and separated the pair.[S1][S3]
The incident occurred after a charged face-off where both fighters exchanged expletives. Itauma had earlier refused to engage with Hrgovic's attempts to provoke him during fight week, but his composure cracked at the ceremonial weigh-in. Promoter Frank Warren said Itauma was showing he was not fazed by Hrgovic's experience and was 'up for this, alight and on fire.'[S1][S4]
Fighters' reactions and weights
Hrgovic said Itauma pushed him first, so he gave it back, adding that Itauma started it. Itauma admitted he lost control a little, saying he had an itch he had to scratch. The shove and slap set up Saturday's bout for the vacant IBF heavyweight title at the O2 Arena.[S1][S4]
At the official weigh-in, Hrgovic came in at 16 stone 12 pounds (107 kg), his lightest in seven years, while Itauma weighed 17 stone 4 pounds (110 kg), matching his weight for the March win over Jermaine Franklin. Hrgovic, who has often referred to Itauma as a 'kid' and 'delusional,' holds a 20-1 record with 15 knockouts, whereas Itauma remains undefeated at 14-0 with 12 knockouts.[S1][S3]
Stakes for Saturday's fight
Should Itauma emerge victorious, he would become the second-youngest heavyweight champion ever, trailing only Mike Tyson, and the youngest British world heavyweight champion. Hrgovic, who has recovered from his only loss to Daniel Dubois by winning three straight fights, seeks to become Croatia's first world heavyweight champion.[S3][S4]
