Derek Chisora and Kubrat Pulev had to be separated by multiple security guards as their emotions spilled over and what was largely a respectful press conference.
The heavyweight pair are meeting for a second time following the Bulgarian’s dominant win back in 2016, and a repeat victory for Pulev could signal the end of Chisora’s career at the highest level.
During the press conference, Chisora made several references to the torrid form he’s currently enduring but insisted he would fight on regardless of the result against Pulev.
Interruptions from Saturday’s away fighter prompted Chisora into telling his rival to, ‘shut the f– k up.’ This largely brought smiles from Pulev, but the joy threatened to turn nasty during the head-to-head.
Originally sharing a handshake, Pulev dragged Chisora’s hand down as if the pair were arm wrestling. Chisora tightened his grip on Pulev’s hand and refused to let go as they pulled at each other.
Security swarmed the stage, and it took half a dozen guards, as well as members from each team, to finally disconnect the pair before the real action gets underway.