A funeral has been held for the cousin of heavyweight boxing champion Tyson Fury, who was fatally stabbed in Greater Manchester last Sunday.
Rico Burton, 31, was one of two people attacked outside a bar in the Goose Green area of Altrincham in what police described as a “senseless attack”.
A funeral cortege was pictured as mourners arrived on trailers and in a horse-drawn carriage ahead of the service held in memory of Mr Burton at St Michael’s Church in Flixton.
A floral arrangement spelling out Mr Burton’s name and ‘BOYO’ was pictured, as mourners wore T-shirts with photos of him.
Following Mr Burton’s death, Fury revealed on Instagram that his cousin had died and led tributes for him.
The boxing champion has since used his social media platform to plea for an end to knife crime, declaring that “this needs to stop”.
In a post he said: “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.”
Boxing trainer and family friend Steve Egan, who has coached both Fury and Mr Burton, told Sky News that he was “fantastic lad.”
Liam O’Prey, 21, is accused of Mr Burton’s murder and is also charged with the malicious wounding of a teenager, possession of a knife and possession of cocaine.
He appeared via video link from custody for a brief hearing at Manchester Crown Court last Friday and has been remanded into custody.
A provisional start date for his trial has been set for next year.
The other person injured in the attack, a 17-year-old boy, received life-saving treatment from members of the public at the scene, Greater Manchester Police said.
