Would an alcoholic pick a fight to justifying getting a drink. Absolutely!
Now he may or may not have but it doesn't take much provocation when you have only been trying to quit for 3 days and going through withdrawals from hell.
By the way, quitting cold turkey can actually be very dangerous. Should he decide to try again, you may want to strongly suggest to him that he seek the help of his GP at least if he won't agree to go to detox. If you are ever concerned, please take him to the hospital or call an ambulance.