Shakur Stevenson was restrained by security after confronting Teofimo Lopez on stage, as preparations for a highly anticipated world title fight were ruined by an unpleasant exchange in New York.

Lopez, a 28-year-old American, will defend his WBO light welterweight belt against fellow American Stevenson on Saturday at Madison Square Garden.

Tensions escalated during Thursday’s press conference when Stevenson, 28, misheard Lopez’s crude comments as being about her mother.

Stephenson vowed to “smash” his opponent, but then sat down and insisted the rivalry would be settled in the ring.

“Keep that same energy Saturday,” Stevenson said. “Then you will realize.”

Stevenson is a three-division world champion and has won all 24 of his professional bouts.

Lopez, a two-division titleholder, has won six straight since his only loss in 23 fights to George Kambosos Jr. in 2021.

A shouting match ensued as Stevenson and his camp, led by trainer and grandfather Wali Moses, accused Lopez’s father and coach of being too hungover to participate.

“Where is your father today?” Stevenson asked, suggesting without evidence that Teofimo Lopez Sr. had been drinking at the hotel the night before.

Stevenson theatrically held out a bottle of alcohol in a paper bag handed to him by a security guard, and Lopez laughed.

Lopez then spoke softly: “My soul is a lighthouse. We are here and we have something to cherish. We have lives, not trying to be thugs on the streets.”

During the confrontation, Stevenson continued to converse with Lopez, who just stared at him with a straight face, until Stevenson delivered a light shoulder barge and left the stage.