Lawrence Okolie and Richard Riakporhe have to be separated at film premiere

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    Boxing rivals Lawrence Okolie and Richard Riakporhe had to be separated in chaotic scenes in London on Wednesday night.

    The British cruiserweight stars almost came to blows as tensions boiled over during a Creed III film premiere in Leicester Square. Creed III producers perhaps wanted to save the combat for the March 3 release date rather than the showcase premiere, but Okolie and Riakporhe had other ideas.

    The duo were embroiled in a physical altercation at the Cineworld venue as they lunged and grabbed each other in a heated clash outside the screening.

    READ MORE: Chris Eubank Jr triggers Liam Smith rematch clause despite fourth round knockout

    It is unclear what started the fracas, but no punches were throw as bystanders desperately came to the rescue and avoided ugly scenes at the premiere.

    There has not previously been a feud between the pair but this surprise incident will no doubt add fuel to the fire of a tantalising future domestic cruiserweight showdown.

    Undefeated Okolie is the WBO cruiserweight world champion with 14 knockouts to his name in 18 fights.

    Who would win between Lawrence Okolie and Richard Riakporhe? Comment below

    The 30-year-old is preparing to make a long-awaited return to the ring against mandatory challenger David Light on March 25, and is on a collision course to face Riakporhe.

    Riakporhe, 33, is 16-0 as a pro and sealed an impressive fourth round stoppage over Krzysztof Głowacki on the Chris Eubank Jr vs Liam Smith undercard in Manchester last month.

    He is now on the verge of a title shot and called out Okolie after his latest victory. And Okolie hit back with a warning to Riakporhe that he is ready to fight.

    "Don't say my name 'til you actually want to fight," he told Sky Sports. "It's as easy as this. I will fight that man any time. Any time.

    "Then it's done. You've got a world champion who doesn't need to – Richard's not my mandatory. But, he's in my country saying he's the best? See you soon."

    The pair's latest meeting in London has caused the rivalry to intensify ahead of a possible bout later this year.

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