Richardson Hitchins and George Kambosos have clashed in a fiery press conference ahead of this weekend’s IBF super lightweight title showdown in New York City.
The wild scenes ultimately saw the pre-fight face off scrapped, while at one point, Hitchins’ trainer grabbed a stool to use as a weapon before security stepped in and ushered him off the stage.
After what has already been a spiteful build-up, things kicked into another gear when Hitchins took out what he claimed was $50,000 in cash and walked over to Kambosos, calling on his opponent to bet on the outcome of the fight.
MORE: Breaking down the Hitchins vs. Kambosos undercard
The Aussie then stood up, pushing Hitchins away, telling the Brooklyn native that he’s already bet that amount on himself at $7 odds with the bookmakers.
As tensions flared, Jim Kambosos, the Sydneysider’s father and manager, walked across the stage and smacked Hitchins’ trainer Lenny Wilson with a microphone.
Security was on hand to prevent things from spilling over any more.
As the presser continued, Bill Haney, the father and trainer of Devin Haney, who twice defeated Kambosos in Australia, became involved in a slanging match with Hitchins.
Upon being reminded, by Haney, that he’d been “slapped upside the head” by Kambosos senior, Wilson got up off his stool and picked it up before being swarmed by security personnel, and even Matchroom Boxing boss Eddie Hearn.
That would just about be the end of the press conference, with Hearn confirming there’d be no face off amid the risk of further escalation.
The drama adds more intrigue to the bout, which sees former unified lightweight champion Kambosos return to the Madison Square Garden Theater, the site of his most famous victory, over Teofimo Lopez in 2021, and a venue in which he boasts a 2-0 record.
For Hitchins, it’s his first outing in his hometown since becoming champion, a feat he achieved last December when defeating another Australian in Liam Paro.
Fans can tune into all the action this weekend, live on DAZN.
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