Tyson Fury has made a heartfelt appeal to the UK government to clamp down on knife crime after his cousin was stabbed to death last night.
The two-time world heavyweight champion took to Instagram to hint at a comeback in the aftermath of the highly-anticipated heavyweight clash between Anthony Joshua and Oleksandr Usyk. The Gypsy King announced his plans to retire after defeating Dillan Whyte at Wembley Stadium back in April, however he seemed to suggest a return to the ring after Usyk triumphed over Joshua in a split-decision victory.
However, this morning Fury has shared the news his cousin Rico had died after being stabbed in the neck with his 5.7m Instagram followers. He wrote: "My cousin was murdered last night, stabbed in the neck. This is becoming ridiculous idiots carry knives.
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"This needs to stop ASAP. UK government needs to bring higher sentencing for knife crime, it's a pandemic & you don't know how bad it is until it's 1 of your own! Life is very precious & 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 was soon flooded with supportive comments, with one fan writing: "Condolences, that’s terrible x." Another added: : "Thoughts are with you and your family. So sad."
One fan agreed with his plea, writing: "Wow unbelievable sorry Tyson. You're right it needs to stop."
Should Fury elect to come out of retirement, he could fight Ukrainian Usyk for the chance to become the first undisputed heavyweight champion since Lennox Lewis in 1999. He issued a menacing call-out on social media, saying: "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."
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