By Shaun Murphy-
Mourners arrived for the funeral of Tyson Fury’s cousin Rico Burton this morning.The 31-year-old died after being stabbed outside a bar in the Goose Green area of Altrincham,Trafford, in the early hours of August 21.
Outpouring tributes for the boxer for Mr Burton after his death were led by the boxer’s heavyweight champ cousin, Tyson Fury.
Mourners could be seen riding on trailers and a horse-drawn carriage as they took part in a funeral procession.
They arrived for the service on carriages and trailers, with one being pulled by a horse.
In his tribute, the boxing champ said: “Life is very precious and it can be taken away very quick. Enjoy every moment.”
The two-time world heavyweight champion, from Wythenshawe, also called for an end to knife crime in a post on his social media channels, following his cousin’s tragic death.
Liam O’Prey, 21, has been charged with his murder. and has been remanded in custody. He is also accused of unlawful wounding with intention to cause grievous bodily harm, possession of a knife and possession of cocaine..
A trailer carrying a huge, white floral arrangement for him was also spotted, while another carried flowers that spelt out his name. Mr Burton’s sports star cousin shared an impassioned plea to end knife crime on social media, declaring that “this needs to stop”.
Mourners sit on a trailer containing flowers with Mr Burton’s name ( Image: MEN Media)
In an Instagram post, Fury described knife crime as a “pandemic” and wrote: “You don’t know how bad it is until 1 of your own!”
He added: “Life is very precious and it can be taken away very quick enjoy every moment … RIP Rico Burton may the lord God grant you a good place in heaven. See you soon.”
Floral display bearing Rico’s name.
It is not clear what led to the stabbing, but the murder trial is expected to reveal all in due course.
Shaun Egan, who previously coached Mr Burton alongside his brother Steve at Jimmy Egan’s Boxing Academy in Manchester, described him as “such a nice lad”.
“He was an absolute talent,” he said. “He was such a nice lad, he was hard working and had a great sense of humour.
“What’s happened is just awful. He was just a great guy. To hear he has died like this is devastating”.
Well wishers gathered to wish Rico farewell