Tyson Fury’s opponent for a big fight in the Big Apple admits the pair’s war of words has got under his skin.

Steve Cunningham will take on the Styal heavyweight in New York’s Madison Square Garden  on April 20, and Fury’s declaration – that he’ll retire the former navy serviceman in their IBF title eliminator – has prompted a furious response.

“It was disrespectful,” insisted Cunningham. “Tyson did get a little under my skin. He talked and he woke up a little anger in me that probably wasn’t there before.

“He sparked a little fire in me that’s helping my drive. It’s helping me get up and run and do what I’m supposed to do. He woke up another dragon that’s in me.”

Twenty-four-year-old Fury, who was recently fined by the British Boxing Board of Control for his Twitter outbursts, does have a measure of respect from Cunningham for his abilities, however.

“He’s a fighter, he’s undefeated,” added Cunningham. “We know he’s not a chump. We know he’s not scared, but something’s up.

“There were four guys on his list to fight, solid heavyweights almost his own size, but he chooses me, the smallest guy on the list, and the one who’s supposedly not a heavyweight.”