of Mice and Men

Candy gives Curley credit for being "pretty handy" with his fists, but we definitely get the impression that he doesn't respect him. Candy sees through to the "small man" complex that constantly drives him to challenge bigger men to fight.

Because Candy is aging and has a hand that is no longer useful to the ranch, he is worried about his future. Since Curley is the boss' son, is mean-spirited, and tries to act superior to everyone, it is natural to expect that Candy would not like him.