Amir Khan has told Tyson Fury to let his fists do the talking – or risk the wrath of US audiences.
Undefeated former British and Commonwealth champion Fury makes his American debut against Steve Cunningham at New York’s Madison Square Garden on Saturday.
And the outspoken 24-year-old has already riled his opponent by offering to advertise his Twitter page on the soles of the two-time world cruiserweight champion’s boots.
Fury has previously courted controversy with outbursts directed at British rivals Dereck Chisora and David Price.
He hopes his brash ways will help him seize the attention of US fight fans – but Khan believes the only statement he needs to make is in the ring.
“I think it can be a bad thing to talk too much,” said Khan. “Floyd Mayweather has a way of doing it and his boxing backs it up.
“Then you’ve got Zab Judah, who is the same because of his history as a four or five-time world champion.
“It was the same with Muhammad Ali. But someone like Tyson Fury has not really proved anything. He’s not really won anything big yet.
“So if he’s going to go to America in the early stages of his career and start talking big like he’s a world champion already or the best pound-for-pound, people are going to hate on him and it will be a bad thing.”
Fury is looking to extend his 20-fight unbeaten record against the veteran Cunningham.
Victory would move him to within one fight of becoming the mandatory challenger for Wladimir Klitschko’s IBF title.
Like Fury, Khan made his debut in America at Madison Square Garden, defeating the motor-mouthed Paulie Malignaggi in 2010.
Since then the former double light-welterweight champion has become one of the most marketable fighters in the States after thrilling battles with Marcos Maidana, Zab Judah, Lamont Peterson and Danny Garcia on US soil.
And he is set to return to America after his clash with Julio Diaz next week, with more major fights on the horizon.
Fury, from Wilmslow, is tipped to become Britain’s first undisputed heavyweight champion since Lennox Lewis.
But Khan says that rather than the bold bravado, Fury would be better advised to keep a low profile until he wins the biggest honours on the world stage.
“If I was him I’d stay quiet and let your skills do the talking,” said the 26-year-old. “That’s what I did when I fought there first.
“I was the quiet one – apart from a little scuffle with Paulie Malignaggi, which I’m trying to forget about. But other than that I was chilled.
“I think it’s bad for a British fighter who has not achieved much to go there and do that.
“I think he is a great fighter, but because he’s not achieved much – to go there and hype himself up could be a bad thing.
“If I was him I’d stay quiet and let the public build you up instead by putting on a good performance.”
