Tributes have today been paid to Rico Burton, the cousin of Tyson Fury who was stabbed in Altrincham in the early hours of Sunday morning (August 21). The once-promising boxer, who trained in Manchester throughout his teenage years, is being remembered as 'an absolute talent' by his former coaches as he is pictured for the first time.
Rico, 31, was knifed outside a bar in Altrincham shortly after 3am on Sunday morning and tragically died in hospital a short while later, police said. Another man, aged 17, received serious injuries in the attack and remains in hospital.
A murder investigation has now been launched by Greater Manchester Police, as forensics remain at the scene on Goose Green. A 21-year-old male, arrested on suspicion of Section 18 assault, remains in custody for questioning.
READ MORE Victim in Altrincham murder investigation named as Tyson Fury's cousin Rico Burton
Shaun Egan, who previously coached Rico alongside his brother Steve at Jimmy Egan's Boxing Academy in Manchester, spoke to the Manchester Evening News after the 31-year-old's tragic passing.
"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."
Shaun spoke of how Rico previously trained and boxed at the gym until his late teens, during which time he won two national titles fighting as a junior.
He added: "Out of the people we had coming through our doors, he was probably one of the best we have ever seen.
"As a young adult he used to come to our gym and was so talented with so much potential. I have watched him win a national title after going through a windscreen in the same week. He was always smiling and a real positive force.
"What people don't realise when they stab someone is what that does to families and how it can ruin them."
Also paying tribute, Shaun's brother Steve wrote on Facebook: "Rico Burton. Fantastic Boxer, very skilled, lovely lad and always smiling. RIP."
Heavyweight champion Tyson, who is originally from Wythenshawe, took to Instagram on Sunday morning to confirm the death of his cousin. He added that he had been stabbed alongside a picture that read 'Stop Knife Crime'.
Tyson wrote that his cousin had been 'stabbed in the neck' in an incident, before adding: "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."
A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Police said: "Police are appealing to the public for further information after two males were stabbed outside a bar in Altrincham. Shortly after 3am this morning (Sunday 21 August 2022), Police were called to reports of two males having been stabbed outside a bar on Goose Green, Altrincham.
"Emergency services attended the scene. Two men were rushed to hospital with serious and life changing injuries.
"A 31-year-old male has sadly passed away a short time later in hospital. A 17-year-old male also remains in hospital with serious injuries.
"A 21-year-old male was arrested at the scene on suspicion of section 18 assault and remains in custody. A murder investigation has been launched and would like to appeal to members of the public who have any further information regarding this incident."
Anyone with information, CCTV, photos, or videos regarding this incident should contact police on 101 quoting incident 475 of 21/08/2022 or on 0161 856 7386, or via Major incident public portal via the following link: https://mipp.police.uk/operation/06GMP22S47-PO1
Alternatively, you report information via www.gmp.police.uk or you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Read more of today's top stories here.
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