Eddie Hearn was forced to step in during another tense face-off between Anthony Joshua and Oleksandr Usyk at today's press conference for their heavyweight title clash.
The pair went head-to-head last week in Jeddah on a number of occasions as they worked to promote their massive rematch, including a particularly long one at their launch press conference. And again it was up to promoter Hearn to separate the pair as they squared up in London this afternoon.
Joshua and Usyk don't have a particularly heated rivalry, especially compared to the ones shared between the likes of Tyson Fury and Deontay Wilder. But there is a healthy sense of competition between two elite athletes when the pair meet, which they did back in September when Usyk took the unified heavyweight titles from Joshua in his hometown.
The pair shared respectful words at their second press conference today, with neither man outwardly making efforts to mock the other or attempt mind-games. "It's hard to say from a head-to-head who's going to win a championship fight," Joshua joked before the face-off.
"I don't tend to look into the head-to-heads so deeply, but for some they could think that they've got a 1-0 victory. That's down to their opinion anyway. Shout out to everyone in Saudi, the first time I was there was lit, the second time is going to be even better for sure. Going down to the old city was unbelievable.
"I'm sure you've seen some videos that the teams shared on social media, if you're coming to Saudi for the first time [for the fight], you're in for a great time. It's looking good. In terms of old AJ, I'm the same old G doing what I'm doing, grafting away and listen, it's a rough and tough sport, especially fighting these lefties. They're a nightmare! I'm going to have to dig deep, tuck up and not make the same mistake twice."
Who do you think wins this rematch; Oleksandr Usyk or Anthony Joshua? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below!
Usyk opted not to use his limited English this time around, speaking through a translator for the media event. "Many people want the recognition," he said during his opening speech.
"Many people want others to remember them, but I don't need this, I don't want to become 'the great', I'm just doing my job now. I will continue doing it as long as my heart is beating. The only thing I am on my way to is saving my soul, but everything else that is happening to me is just life. I'm not expecting anything from anyone. I think it's a bit stupid to expect anything from anyone, but I do understand that he's going to be different, so will I."
