David Haye landed a punch on Liverpool boxer Tony Bellew during a pre-fight press conference in London.
Shortly after the heated media outing the two stepped face to face with each other in the traditional head-to-head to preview their March 4 fight at the O2 Arena.
Despite being flanked by security, a scuffle broke out between the who with Bellew shoving Haye in the chest whilst the Londoner retaliated with a left hook.
Security staff were required to intervene in order to pull the rivals apart.
WARNING: Video contains strong language
Speaking after the incident Bellew told iFL TV “He got in my face, got really close. I was going to give him a few home truths but he got in my face.
“He was a millimetre away from kissing me! His lips nearly grazed mine and it’s not that kind of party in all honesty – it’s a press conference.
“I just gently pushed him off me and then he punched me on the side of the head. I’m not going to start throwing punches without gloves on.
“I’m a professional sportsman. I’m not a thug, I’m not a brute, I’m not stupid and I had no intention of doing such things.
“I just wanted to get him out of my face. I am shocked that he would drag it to those levels.”