Conor McGregor News: Boxing Heavyweight Champion Tyson Fury Says 'The Notorious' Copied His Style
World heavyweight champion Tyson Fury believes he is the inspiration for the existence of UFC interim featherweight champion Conor McGregor.
Fury, who also exudes an air of outspoken bravado, recently won the WBO, IBO, WBO and WBA world titles from nine-year champion Wladimir Klitschko two weeks ago in their main event bout in Dusseldorf, Germany.
Ending "Dr. Steelhammer's" streak instantly brought Fury into the mainstream light and he recently made an appearance on MMA Fighting's "The MMA Hour" show, hosted by Ariel Helwani.
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During his interview, he touched on fellow brash talking prizefighter Conor McGregor and the latter's upcoming fight at UFC 194 this weekend. During the interview, Fury did admit to paying attention to the UFC and mixed martial arts since knowing about "The Notorious".
However, he also maintained that he was the "original trash talker".
"I am familiar with a man named Conor McGregor. I think he copied me in everything he does," he said.
Fury adds that McGregor took pages out of his book, from the physical appearance to the Irishman's bravado during interviews and media obligations. "I grew a big beard, he grew a big beard, I talk bulls**t about everybody, he starts talking bulls**t about everybody," he added. "And it worked for the heavyweight champ of the world. It must work for Conor McGregor, some guy who's like 140 pounds or whatever is."
Ahead of his fight against Klitchsko, Fury was going against a long-time dominant champion, while, he claims, he was seen as the overly ambitious challenger who was in way over his head.
He adds that if he could have done what he did to a fighter like Wladimir Klitschko, McGregor can very much do the same against José Aldo, who has held the world featherweight title since 2009.
"I'm living proof that it can be done," Fury said. "I beat Klitschko, he can beat José Aldo. Why not? For sure."
According to Boxing Scene, McGregor has responded to Fury's claims. He remembers that it used to be Muhammad Ali who people were comparing him to and now, it's Fury. However, he says, "I am me, I am nobody else but me."
