Moses Itauma shoved Croatian contender Filip Hrgovic off the platform before receiving a sharp slap to the face from his opponent during a heated final face‑to‑face session at the weigh‑in ahead of their heavyweight world title showdown in London on Saturday. Both fighters stepped onto the scales and, interestingly, each came in lighter than they had for their previous bouts.
Itauma registered at 241.7 pounds (109.7 kg) while Hrgovic tipped the scales at 236.2 pounds (107.1 kg). After the official weigh‑in, the two men faced each other on the stage and quickly began exchanging barbs.
When Hrgovic moved toward the front of the stage to pose and flex for the assembled crowd, Itauma thrust him from behind. The push caused the Croatian to lose his balance, stumble forward and tumble off the podium, though he managed to keep his feet from leaving the ground entirely. Hrgovic recovered, climbed back onto the stage and, as security began to intervene, delivered a hard slap to Itauma’s cheek. The incident was captured on camera and quickly spread across social media platforms, adding another dramatic chapter to the pre‑fight buildup.
In a post‑weigh‑in interview with DAZN, Hrgovic explained his reaction: "I just tell him what’s going to happen, I’ll smash him. He pushed me first so I just give him back, you know. He started it. The fight is going to be tough." When asked why the tension had escalated to physical contact, Itauma admitted, "I don’t know, I just lost it a little bit.
But we’re here now, we’re here. Let’s go.
I had a little itch and I just had to scratch it." The bout carries historic significance for Itauma, who is chasing the distinction of becoming Britain’s youngest heavyweight world champion and the second‑youngest ever to claim a heavyweight crown, trailing only Mike Tyson. The 21‑year‑old, undefeated in 14 professional fights, will contest the vacant IBF heavyweight title at the O2 Arena in London.
Tyson captured the WBC heavyweight belt at the age of 20 when he defeated Trevor Berbick four decades ago. Itauma, aware of the parallel, said before the weigh‑in, "I’ve always wanted to start off like Mike Tyson but not end up how Mike Tyson ended up. But now I’m in the shoes that Mike Tyson was, as in all the fame and accolades at such a young age, I’m starting to see and realise why he fell off the way he did.
I just don’t want to make the same mistakes he made. I’m wrapping my head around these things and I guess that’s why I’m so heavily into books because I’ve never been in this position before. There is such a thing as too early, but I’m taking necessary precautions to handle it the way I believe I should." The altercation at the weigh‑in adds a layer of intrigue to a fight that already promises high drama. Both athletes have been vocal about their confidence.
Itauma, who has dispatched every opponent he has faced, sees the upcoming contest as a chance to cement his place in heavyweight history. He believes his youth and hunger give him an edge, but he also acknowledges the responsibility that comes with early success.
For Hrgovic, the slap was a moment of retaliation, but also a signal that he will not be intimidated. The Croatian, who has built a reputation for his technical skill and power, appears ready to answer any provocation with precision in the ring. His comments suggest a mindset focused on the fight itself rather than the pre‑match theatrics.
The weigh‑in incident also raises questions about security and protocol at high‑profile boxing events. While some argue that a little theatrics can boost publicity, others contend that physical confrontations before a bout can undermine the sport’s professionalism and endanger the athletes. Organizers at the O2 Arena will likely review footage and consider stricter measures to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
Beyond the immediate drama, the fight itself has broader implications for the heavyweight division. With the IBF title vacant, the winner will be positioned for potential unification bouts with other champions, reshaping the landscape of the sport. If Itauma secures the belt, he could become a unifying force, challenging established names and possibly setting up a clash with the current WBC, WBA, or WBO champions. Meanwhile, Hrgovic will look to bounce back from the weigh‑in scuffle and prove his mettle inside the ring.
A victory for him would reinforce his status as a top contender and keep his trajectory toward a world title intact. Fans can follow the fight live via streaming services such as NOW, which offers contract‑free access to boxing events, or tune into the weekly Toe2Toe podcast for expert analysis and commentary. Highlight reels and post‑fight breakdowns will likely dominate boxing news cycles in the days following the bout, as both fighters’ careers hang in the balance. In summary, the weigh‑in showdown between Moses Itauma and Filip Hrgovic was marked by a sudden push, a retaliatory slap, and a flurry of bold statements from both camps.
With the IBF heavyweight crown on the line, the incident adds a personal edge to an already high‑stakes contest. Whether the altercation fuels either fighter’s motivation or distracts them from their game plan remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the upcoming Saturday night clash at London’s O2 Arena promises to be a defining moment for the future of heavyweight boxing.