Anthony Joshua and Dominic Breazeale in Angry Confrontation at Press Event

Anthony Joshua and American Dominic Breazeale clashed at a photo call ahead of their IBF heavyweight title fight on June 25.

The pair exchanged some heated words at the Syon Park Hotel in London, as Englishman Joshua reacted angrily to a perceived lack of respect from Breazeale, per John Dillon in the Sun:

The 2012 Olympic gold medalist will be making the first defence of his IBF title at the O2 Arena in June having beaten Charles Martin last month.

There was initially a respectful air at Wednesday's press event, but Joshua, 26, then took issue as Breazeale remained squared-up to the champion after their face-to-face shots. Eventually someone had to step in to avoid the confrontation going any further.

Ben Hoskins/Getty Images

Breazeale, 30, is unbeaten thus far in a 17-fight professional career that has seen him win 15 times by knockout.

He explained after the clash that he was eager to show Joshua he was in for a "real fight," per Dillon:

"I respect Joshua as a champ but I had to let him know that he is going to be involved in a real fight against me. Joshua is a big tall athletic guy but when he looks at me it is like looking in the mirror because I am built the same way."

The Watford-born fighter, though, believes he already has the edge over his opponent, per Dillon:

"

He shouldn’t be here breathing heavy and staring me down because it’s not worth his time. I’m a respectful person and I shook his hand.

But when I went to walk off, he was still there looking at me. I thought—is this guy serious? So I went back over to him.

Even when I was looking at him, I was working out what shot I’m going to knock him out with. I just wanted to address what the issue was. If we’re going to fight, then you shake hands and go away and train.

If you’ve got a personal issue, make it known. I said "what is your problem?" We’re here to fight. I’ve probably got his number already.

"

Joshua's second-round knockout of Martin was his 16th from 16 professional fights in his fledgling career, per Showtime Sports:

He is the heavy favourite to successfully defend his title against Breazeale, with many somewhat unimpressed by the Californian, per boxing writer Matthew Bevan:

"

Breazeale is dreadful and as a straight forward a defence as possible for Joshua. Another indicator on how bad some rankings are #boxing

— Matthew Bevan (@MBevs68) April 25, 2016"

Indeed, Joshua looks to be on a collision course with compatriot Tyson Fury, who defends his WBO and WBA heavyweight titles against Wladimir Klitschko in July.

A unification clash between the two Englishman would be a huge occasion, and it seems an inevitability should they both win their upcoming fights.