Frank Warren reacts to Hrgovic slap at Itauma IBF face-off

Frank Warren has criticised the confrontation between Moses Itauma and Filip Hrgovic after the Croatian heavyweight slapped his British opponent at their final face-off in London. The incident happened before their vacant IBF heavyweight title fight this weekend.

The tension escalated when Itauma pushed Hrgovic, sending him off the stage. Hrgovic then responded with a slap, turning the final meeting between the fighters into a physical exchange before either man had entered the ring.

Warren, who promotes the event, said he was unhappy that the face-off had gone that far. He viewed the push as unintended but acknowledged that Hrgovic’s reaction was something he would rather not have seen before such an important contest.

The promoter said the pressure had been increasing throughout the week as both fighters traded words. He understood the confrontation as part of a heated exchange in which Itauma objected to being treated as a young fighter rather than an equal opponent.

The vacant IBF belt has added significance to the bout. Itauma is attempting to become the second-youngest heavyweight champion in boxing history, while Hrgovic is seeking to become Croatia’s first heavyweight world champion.

Both fighters are due to return to their teams after the incident and prepare for the contest. The focus now shifts from the face-off to the fight, with Itauma and Hrgovic expected to keep their preparations and tactics unchanged despite the altercation.