Tyson Fury has emotionally pleaded for a resolution to knife crime after his cousin was stabbed to death last night.
In a post on Instagram, the boxer wrote: "My cousin was murdered last night, stabbed in the neck. This is becoming ridiculous idiots carry knives. This needs to stop ASAP. UK government needs to bring higher sentencing for knife crime, 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 quick enjoy every moment. RIP RICO BURTON. May the lord God grant you a good place in heaven. see you soon." Fury gave no further details on the attack or indicated where it happened.
Fury received a whole host of supportive comments from fans, with one writing: "Condolences, that’s terrible x." Another added: : "Thoughts are with you and your family. So sad." One fan agreed with his plea: "Wow unbelievable sorry Tyson. You're right it needs to stop."
Fans continued to flood their supportive messages, with one writing: "Seriously this has to stop another life taken too soon, so sorry to and your family for your sad loss x." Another believes his powerful message should resonate with many, writing: So sorry for your families sad loss. You are right make the sentence a proper one and they might think twice about carrying a knife. Let your voice be heard Tyson, use your platform to get it across and campaign for a better future for our kids."
The heartbreaking news came just hours after Fury confirmed his plans to break his retirement plan he set out following his April victory over Dillian Whyte. The 'Gypsy King' spent Saturday night watching the heavyweight fight between Anthony Joshua and Oleksandr Usyk which the Ukrainian won in comfortable fashion.
He released a video calling out the Ukrainian to a potential undisputed title fight after vowing to make a comeback to the sport despite his previous planned retirement.
Should he elect to come out of retirement, Fury could fight the Ukrainian for the chance to become the first undisputed heavyweight champion since Lennox Lewis in 1999.
He issued a menacing call-out on social media accepting Usyk's offer, when he said: "I've just seen Joshua lose for the second time to Usyk - out of his depth. However, England has been relieved of its belts. Yet again, as usual. "There is a remedy and a solution that I can suggest. If you want those belts back then send in the Gypsy barbarian of England. Come on! Send me in. I will relieve the Ukrainian dosser of his belts like I did the last Ukrainian dosser."
