A man has been charged with murder in connection with the death of a cousin of heavyweight boxing champion Tyson Fury.
Liam O’Prey, 21, was arrested after Rico Burton, 31, was stabbed to death outside a bar in the Goose Green area of Altrincham, Greater Manchester, in the early hours of sunday morning
O’Prey was remanded in custody before appearing at Manchester and Salford magistrates’ courts on Wednesday, Greater Manchester Police said.
Assault has also been charged in relation to a 17-year-old boy, critically injured, who received life-saving treatment from members of the public at the scene of the alleged incident, according to police. The teenager is in stable condition and recovering in hospital. His family asked the police to thank those who intervened.
Posting on social media, Fury called for an end to knife crime. Describing it as a “pandemic”, he told his followers: “This has to stop”, adding: “You don’t know how bad it is until it’s one of your own!
“Life is very precious and you can take it very quickly by enjoying every moment. RIP RICO BURTON. May the Lord God give you a good place in heaven. See you soon.”
Burton’s boxing coach Steve Egan said he was “devastated” by the news, describing Burton as a “lovely kid” who trained at the club for five years and won two national titles. “He was a fantastic boxer, a very relaxed and skilled boxer. One of the nicest guys you could ever meet.”
Speaking to news agency PA Media, Egan said: “It could [have] he came a long way through the pro boxing ranks – a lovely guy, always smiling. We are all devastated by this sad news and truly feel for the entire family. RIP Rico Burton.”