Tyson Fury appeared to be 'nervous' during his intense face-off with long-time rival Anthony Joshua, according to body language expert Inbaal Honigman.
The heavyweight rivals went head-to-head for the first time since their all-British showcase was announced. Fury and Joshua are expected to end their decade-long feud in Cardiff on Friday, December 11.
While Wednesday's press conference did not descend into chaos, both men engaged in a rather tense face-off. Honigman told Hard Rock Bet that Fury came across as 'nervous' and showing signs of 'childlike behaviour.'
Expert analysis of the face-off
Honigman said: "When they pose side by side, both men appear confident, standing in a solid stance, legs strong, shoulders square, feet shoulder-width apart - this 'planted' stance indicates a self-assured attitude.
"But Fury then engages in some childlike behaviour, standing on the tips of his toes and being playful, which shows that he's a little less secure than Joshua. Fury's fingers flex a bit, which is a sign of nerves - unlike Joshua who is in complete control over his physical body, which is a sign that he's mentally on top, too.
"Fury is seen to be chewing while he talks - perhaps a bit of gum, perhaps just a nervous, tense jaw. While Joshua's smile remains calm and unmoving. Fury's eyes dart from side to side when he talks about AJ, showing that he's nervous. AJ's peaceful facial expression is a sign that he is not afraid at all. Joshua's serenity means that he's better prepared for the match than Fury is, and has a better chance of winning."
Fury's jibes at the press conference
During the press conference, Fury seemed to be the only one to try and spark a bit of drama after he was quick to throw a jibe at Joshua and promoter Eddie Hearn after 'AJ' dubbed himself the 'landlord' in the build-up to Wednesday's meeting.
"In the build-up, they talked about landlords, the Dom Perrignons, the guvnors... When I look behind me, I only see one don, Fury v AJ, I ain't paying, son," he said. "I don't make a thing about this bulls***, but when I walk out, it's Tyson Fury against his opponent, I thought I'd highlight that. Eddie Hearn is just a sausage."
Fury did double down on his offer after stating he would go for a pint with Hearn and Joshua after December's dust-up.
Joshua's poster revelation
"I've never won a world title here [in the UK], just remember GK is No 1, the boss. Eddie don't like that, he don't like that. I haven't got a problem with Eddie, I'd go for a pint with Eddie, he's been a good promoter, he's sung your praises. But he's been crying," said Fury.
Joshua did, though, get under his rival's skin a tad after revealing that he received a call asking if it would be possible to have his name second on the official fight poster. "I got a call saying, 'do you mind if Fury's name is first?' I said 'yes, I don't want to lose the fight,'" he admitted. An irate Fury was quick to hit back: "Bulls***."
