Abbott refuses to back down from 'shirtfront' comments ahead of Putin's G20 visit

Prime Minister Tony Abbott has refused to back down from the diplomatic storm he caused after promising to "shirtfront" Russian President Vladimir Putin at the G20 in Brisbane next month.

Mr Abbott made the comments as part of a promise to hold Mr Putin to account over the MH17 disaster and Russia's provocative European policy.

He attracted criticism at home and abroad for the challenge, including from a Russian embassy official in Australia.

Second secretary at the embassy Alexander Odoevsky noted that while Mr Putin is a keen judoka, Mr Abbott is perhaps best known for his cycling - hinting at a potential mismatch should it come down to single combat.

At a press conference today, Mr Abbott was asked if he regretted his "shirtfront" comments.

He maintained a firm line but - perhaps wisely - did not reiterate his desire to physically challenge the former KGB operative.

"I certainly am determined, absolutely determined, to have a very robust conversation with the Russian President," he said.

"We've all seen the impact of Russian foreign policy in eastern Europe."

Australian politicians are no strangers to a bit of a blue, and politics has more than once descended to the level of a pub brawl in the halls of power.

Below are four top picks for the most dramatic political square-ups in Australian history.

POLITICAL BIFFO

1. Federal Labor leadership aspirant Eddie Ward chased Gough Whitlam down the parliamentary corridor after losing the deputy leadership contest to Mr Whitlam in 1960. Ward punched an office door just as Mr Whitlam closed it.

2. Labor leader Mark Latham monstered his shorter opponent Prime Minister John Howard as they shook hands and almost went nose-to-nose outside an ABC studio during the 2004 federal election campaign.

3. Queensland Housing Minister Rob Schwarten brawled with Craig Brown, the husband of federal Labor MP Kirsten Livermore, using a closed fist around a crushed beer can in 2000.

4. NSW Nationals MP Andrew Fraser grabbed Roads Minister Joe Tripodi around the neck and shook him violently during a parliamentary debate in 2005.