Tyson Fury feigned an injury in a bid to expose a mole he believed was leaking information from his training camp.
Fury was preparing to take on Deontay Wilder in Las Vegas and would eventually go on to stop the American in the seventh round.
The Brit was spotted limping at a UFC event in January, sparking concerns he was injured just weeks before the rematch.
But Andy Lee, who is Fury's cousin and part of his training team, has revealed it was all part of his game plan.
“There was a couple days where Tyson messed around to see if leaks would happen," he told Boxing Social.
"He feigned injury or pretended to limp after a sparring session just to see what would happen.
"That’s the type of level of deviousness you’re dealing with, with him. Inside his own training camp he’ll put on a show and play act to see if anyone talks outside the camp."
Fury swapped trainer Ben Davison for SugarHill Steward just two months before he dethroned Wilder.
He insisted he would take the fight to the champion and box him on the front foot - but few believed him.
Fury was true to his word last month however as he dropped the champion in the third and fifth rounds.
Wilder's corner threw in the towel in the seventh round as his five-year reign came to an abrupt end.
And Lee praised Fury for the dedication he showed in camp.
"He absolutely performed perfectly in training and worked extremely hard," he added.
"People see this larger than life character, but when it comes to training, he works extremely hard.
"He’s very focused and serious about what he does. He didn't cut any corners or allow himself any small treats.
"He stuck to his diet and regiment as strict as he could be. Maybe he had to because he knew the fight he was in."
