Tyson Fury has been called out by boxing fans after surprisingly lavishing praise on Oleksandr Usyk ahead of their fight later this month.
The boxing world is currently looking forward to the bout, with both men looking to become the undisputed heavyweight champion of the world.
With the battle rapidly approaching, Fury has opted to hail Usyk - insisting the Ukrainian is 'a real bad man' and that you'd be a 'mug' to underestimate him.
“Oleksandr Usyk's a real bad man and to underestimate Usyk you'd be a mug," he told Queensberry Promotions.
Boxing fans have called out Tyson Fury ahead of his fight with Oleksandr Usyk on May 18
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"So I'm training hard for him, I'm doing everything I can.
"I respect Usyk as a man. I respect his career as well - Olympic champion, undisputed cruiserweight champion, unified heavyweight champion. You have to respect that, I'm fighting the real deal.
"I'm looking forward to the challenge. He's got good footwork, good boxing ability, technically sound.
"He's proved he can mix it with the big heavyweights because he's beat Anthony Joshua and Daniel Dubois.
"I'm messing with an elite fighter.”
But boxing fans on social media have now condemned Fury for his comments.
"Abusing him didn't work. Getting angry didn't work. He thinks being nice is gonna work now? Cannot wait for this if he actually makes it to the ring," said one user.
"Changed his tune," were the words of a second.
A third said: "He's changed his narrative and has been mostly quiet. Finally it seems like Fury is taking it seriously. As much as I like Usyk, I think Fury is just too big. Either way, it should be a fun fight."
A fourth stated: "Uh oh he's not trolling anymore."
Another user opined: "What has gone into him? Finally appreciating Usyk."
And a sixth said: "Closer he gets to the fight the more he realises he is cooked."
Fury has notoriously attempted to wind up Usyk in the build-up to their blockbuster fight.
Yet the 35-year-old seems to respect his opponent and knows he'll be meeting a formidable foe in Riyadh later this month.
Fury previously won three of the four world titles when he beat Wladimir Klitschko on points back in 2015.
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Tyson Fury feels his boxing match with Oleksandr Usyk will be decided by whoever wants it the most
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He was then later forced to give them up amid a battle with depression.
And Fury believes the fight will be settled by whoever wants victory the most.
"I'm messing with an elite fighter whose got more than boxing ability," he added.
"He's stubborn and he wants to win like I do.
"All of the talent and attributes aside, it will come down to who wants it most on the night.
Tyson Fury has opted to praise Oleksandr Usyk ahead of their fight on May 18
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"If he wants it more than him, he'll win and if I want it more than him then I'll win.
"I just think my will and determination will be more than his on the night."
Fury has won 34 of his 35 career fights so far.
Usyk, meanwhile, has emerged victorious from all 21 of his own bouts.
