Curley and Lennie Fight

During Part 3 of the book Curley starts to pick on Lennie because he knows Lennie can't do anything about it.  It all started when Curley asked Slim if he's seen his wife, which made Slim mad. Curley started saying things about everyone in the bunkhouse, which was funny. Lennie laughed. Which ignited the fire to the fight. Curley went up to Lennie, "What the **** you laughin' at? ... Come on, ya big bastard. Get up on your feet. No big son-of-a-***** is gonna laugh at me. I'll show ya who's yella." (62) Lennie tried to get away from Curley, but "He slashed at Lennie with his left, and then smashed down his nose with a right." (63) Causing Lennie to cry and stand still in fear. Lennie was still getting slugged in the face when finally Lennie, "reached for it" Lennie caught his hand, and "His closed fist go caught in Lennie's big hand." (63) Lennie really hurt Curley's hand. Lennie started to feel guilty and bad for trying to protect himself from Curley.

If Lennie would have known to protect himself and know how to fight. Do you think that Curley would have called Lennie out in the first place?

Let me know what you guys think about this situation.