Tempers flared and tables were flipped at the final press conference ahead of the British heavyweight title fight between David Adeleye and Jeamie TKV.

The London pair will fight for the Lonsdale belt in the chief support bout on Queensberry’s Heavy Impact show, headlined by Joe Joyce against Filip Hrgovic, in Manchester on Saturday night.

And security were needed to keep the heavyweights apart ahead of the weekend’s clash - and it was later decided that the pair would not pose for the usual head-to-head photo.

“I’m going to hurt you Jeamie, trust me,” Adeleye had said at the press conference. “Keep telling me I’m scared, what you talking about, bro? I’ll beat up you and anyone around you on the same night. Trust me, I’m the truth Jeamie.”

But TKV did not take kindly to the suggestion from Adeleye, standing up and flipping the table, sending drinks flying and security guards running to prevent any further trouble in a scene reminiscent of the press conference ahead of Dereck Chisora’s fight with Dillian Whyte, which was also in Manchester, nine years ago. “Save it for Saturday,” Promoter Frank Warren said.

When asked what he thought caused TKV’s reaction, Adeleye said: “I don’t know man, I think he was just copying the old Dereck Chisora theatrics.

“He knows what he’s doing. If he throws a table then he doesn’t get into a face-off with me. It’s all part of the game.”

Saturday’s fight is particularly pivotal for the duo, who have both lost once so far. Adeleye, who is a huge favourite with the bookmakers, is 13-1 (12) and still rebuilding following his 2023 stoppage defeat to Fabio Wardley in what was his only other challenge for the British title.

Tottenham’s TKV, full name Jeamie Tshikeva, is 8-1 (5) and on a three-fight winning streak since he was stopped on cuts by Brazilian puncher Igor Adiel Macedo in September 2023.