Chaos erupts at Itauma vs Hrgovic weigh-in
Chaos erupted at Friday’s weigh-in as Moses Itauma shoved Filip Hrgovic clean off the stage at the O2 Arena, sparking a furious confrontation between the two heavyweights just 24 hours before they contest the vacant IBF title, reports BritPanorama.
The 21-year-old Briton had remained composed throughout fight week despite persistent verbal provocations from his Croatian opponent, who had dismissed him as “delusional” and merely a “kid.” That composure shattered during the final face-off. After exchanging heated words on stage, Hrgovic turned away from Itauma to strike a double-biceps pose for the assembled crowd.
Itauma responded by launching the 34-year-old backwards off the elevated platform. The Croatian swiftly clambered back on stage and landed a slap across Itauma’s face before security personnel and members of both camps rushed in to prevent further escalation.
Speaking to DAZN moments after the altercation, Hrgovic was unapologetic. “I just told him what’s gonna happen; I’ll smash him,” he said. “He pushed me first, so I just give him back, you know. He started.”
Itauma, for his part, acknowledged that his emotions had got the better of him. “I was ready to go,” he conceded. “I don’t know, I just lost it a little bit.” The young Londoner offered a colourful explanation for his actions. “I had a little itch, and I just had to scratch it,” he told broadcasters.
His promoter, Frank Warren, expressed surprise at the outburst. “He’s not normally like this, Moses, but he’s up for this, as you can see,” Warren remarked. “I think that’s what he was trying to do there: stamp his authority before he even gets into the ring.” Warren added that Itauma’s aggression was a deliberate statement of intent. “He’s showing he’s not fazed by what Filip brings,” the veteran promoter noted.
Saturday’s bout carries enormous historical weight. Should Itauma prevail, the 21-year-old would claim the distinction of becoming the second youngest heavyweight world champion in boxing history, trailing only the legendary Mike Tyson. The IBF belt became available following Oleksandr Usyk’s decision to relinquish the title, presenting both men with a golden opportunity to seize a world championship.
Hrgovic has spent fight week attempting to undermine his younger rival’s credentials, branding him a protected “golden child” who has been carefully guided towards this shot at the title. The Briton’s explosive reaction on Friday suggested those barbs may have found their mark.
Itauma tipped the scales at 241.7 lbs, holding a weight advantage over Hrgovic, who registered a leaner 236.2 lbs. The British fighter arrives in formidable form, having halted Jermaine Franklin in March — becoming the first man ever to stop the American. Prior to that, he dispatched fellow Briton Dillian Whyte inside two minutes.
Hrgovic’s recent career has been defined by bouts against British opposition. His only professional defeat came in 2024, when Daniel Dubois stopped him following a severe cut. The Croatian rebuilt impressively, collecting points victories over David Adeleye and Joe Joyce before stopping Dave Allen in May. The undercard features Sam Noakes against Denys Berinchyk, with both lightweights making the 134.1 lbs limit precisely.
As the stage is set for a night of boxing drama, one can only ponder how much more combustible the atmosphere may become once the bell rings. In a sport where emotions often spill over, this weigh-in was just a prelude to what promises to be an electrifying encounter.
