Undercard boxers clash in bio-bubble ahead of Joshua vs Pulev on Saturday

The fighters are in closer proximity to each other than normal ahead of the big night

Macaulay McGowan (Getty Images)

Florian Marku and Macaulay McGowan almost came to blows on Thursday night despite not even being set to fight each other on the undercard of Anthony Joshua versus Kubrat Pulev this weekend.

The duo and other boxers part of Saturday's event at Wembley's SSE Arena are currently in Matchroom's bio-secure bubble.

It means fighters can mix and two on the undercard bill got heated before security had to separate the duo.

READ MORE: Ring-walk times and when will Joshua vs Pulev start in the UK? 

McGowan, who is set to face Kieron Conway in a super-welterweight contest on Saturday, said on a Zoom call earlier this week that he would be prepared to move down a weight to take on Marku.

He described the Albanian as a "gobby midget" which saw Marku respond on Twitter and tell the Wythenshawe resident "say to my face" while he also gave out his room number.

Before the pair were able to square off though, security inside the bio-secure bubble made sure they were not able to come to blows outside Marku's hotel room, but all eyes will be on Friday's weigh-in with the duo likely to cross paths.

Marku, who signed with Matchroom last month, is due to fight Jamie Stewart at welterweight this weekend after original opponent Alex Fearon pulled out.

PA

This weekend get a £10 free bet with Betfair, when you bet £10 on a Same Game Multi on the Premier League. Terms: Min £10 Same Game Multi bet on any EPL match this Fri - Sun. Free bet valid for 72 hours, awarded at bet settlement. Excludes cashed out bets. T&Cs apply.