Boxer Tyson Fury Urges UK Government To Take Action After His Cousin’s Murder By Stabbing

Heavyweight boxing champion Tyson Fury said his cousin was stabbed to death on Sunday.

In a tweet, the British boxer expressed his anger and despair over the tragic event. He urged the UK government to address what he believes is a “pandemic.”

Fury wrote online, “My cousin was murdered last night, stabbed in the neck. This is becoming ridiculous. Idiots carry knives. This needs to stop ASAP. [The] UK government needs to bring higher sentencing for knife crime,” he urged. “It’s a pandemic and you don’t know how bad it is until it’s one of your own! Life is very precious and it can be taken away very quickly. Enjoy every moment. RIP RICO BURTON. May the lord God grant you a good place in heaven. See you soon. #OnlyCowardsCarryWeapons.”

Fury’s cousin, Rico Burton, was stabbed outside a nightclub in the Greater Manchester area. He was 31-years-old.

A 17-year-old boy was also attacked. He survived the event after receiving life-saving treatment at the scene, but remains critically injured.

Liam O’Prey has been charged with murder and assault. He was arrested following Sunday’s incident. According to Greater Manchester Police, O’Prey will appear at Manchester and Salford Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday.

GMP noted, “A 20-year-old man who was also arrested on suspicion of murder has been released on bail pending our ongoing enquiries.”

Police said in a statement, “We have increased police patrols in the area and tackling knife crime remains a priority for Greater Manchester Police — the devastating effects of which have been demonstrated today.”

Steve Egan, Burton’s boxing coach, shared that he was “devastated” by the news. He described Burton as “a fantastic boxer, a very relaxed and skillful boxer. One of the nicest lads you could meet.”

A spokeswoman for Downing Street and the Prime Minister said, “No family should ever have to go through the unimaginable grief that Tyson Fury’s family is suffering.”

She stressed, “That is why we are determined to make our streets safer. It is why this Government is boosting police ranks to get more officers out on our streets. And we’re giving them the powers they need to get more knives off our streets.”