The visual from the first Usyk fight is exactly what haunts Fury’s “clowning” reputation. He was pulling faces and leaning on the ropes to show Usyk he couldn’t be hurt, only to find himself on “Bambi legs” by the ninth round, barely saved by the bell and the ropes.
If he tries those same antics on Saturday, April 11, against a man who is literally called “The Lion” and carries a 90% KO ratio, it could move from “showmanship” to “embarrassment” very quickly.
“I’m going to have fun,” Fury said to OOOSCH TV. “I’m going to be clowning. I’m going to put me hands down behind me back taunting him. He’s going to be feeling frustrated, and then I’m going to chin him.”
The taunting is a classic Fury staple, regarding the psychological warfare. If he can get Makhmudov to swing wildly out of frustration, he’s halfway to a victory.
Fury knows that Makhmudov is at his most dangerous when he is composed and setting his feet. By “clowning,” Fury is trying to neutralize his power by frustrating him.
Makhmudov has a reputation for being an “intimidating” figure, but we haven’t seen how he reacts to someone laughing in his face while he’s trying to land life-changing power.
“He’s a big puncher and very dangerous,” Fury said. “If he gets me one, he could finish me off. So, you’ve got to be very switched on for all these fights.”
Even with that admission, Fury returned to the idea of control through pressure and unpredictability. He suggested Makhmudov has not faced a fighter of his level, positioning himself as a step above the opposition Makhmudov has seen.
“I don’t believe he’s ever been in there with an elite specimen like myself,” Fury said. “When he gets in there, he’s going to realize he’s out of his depth completely.”
If Fury dominates, he validates his status as the division’s “Specimen.” But if he gets caught while showboating or lumbers to a close decision against a guy Dave Allen troubled, the “plastic resume” crowd will have all the evidence they need.
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