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      Tyson Fury’s cousin Rico Burton killed ‘after getting into row inside pub before going outside for a ‘straightener’

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      BOXING champ Tyson Fury spoke of his agony yesterday after his cousin was stabbed to death outside a bar.Revellers looked on in horror as a knife was plunged into the neck of Rico Burton, 31, in a 3am “bloodbath” in Altrincham, Greater Manchester.
      Boxing champ Tyson Fury spoke of his agony yesterday after his cousin was stabbed to death outside a barCredit: Rex
      Revellers looked on in horror as a knife was plunged into the neck of Rico Burton, 31, in a 3am ‘bloodbath’ in Altrincham, Greater Manchester
      Tyson, 34, called for tougher sentences for ‘idiots carrying knives’
      Tyson, 34, called for tougher sentences for “idiots carrying knives”.
      He said: “Life is so precious and it can be taken away very quick, enjoy every moment. RIP Rico, may the lord God grant you a good place in heaven.”
      Former youth boxing star Rico had been watching the Anthony Joshua and Oleksandr Usyk fight with pals in a pub before going to another several miles away in Altrincham.
      It is believed he got into a row inside, before going outside for a “straightener”.
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      But after a fist fight, it is thought Rico’s attacker pulled a knife and stabbed him in the neck.
      One witness said: “It was a bloodbath. Other people were trying their best to save his life, giving him first aid but there was so much blood. Nobody could have saved him.’’
      In an emotional Instagram post, The Gypsy King Tyson said: “My cousin was murdered last night, stabbed in the neck. This is becoming ridiculous idiots carry knives. This needs to stop, ASAP.
      “The Government needs to bring higher sentencing for knife crime.
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      “It’s a pandemic and you don’t know how bad it is until it’s one of your own!”
      A 17-year-old, believed to be a relative of Rico, was also injured in the attack and was taken to hospital.
      Police held a 21-year-old man at the scene and later arrested another, aged 20.
      Both were in custody last night and a murder probe has been launched.
      Supt Ben Ewart, of Greater Manchester Police, said the stabbing was a “senseless act” that cops believe was “unplanned.” He said Rico should have been “enjoying being out with friends” and that it was a “tragic end.”
      Jim Flanagan, 75, said he saw Rico watching the heavyweight bout in a nearby pub and had given him a hug and bought him a pint hours before he was killed.
      He said: “He was just so full of life. To hear that he’s gone, it’s heartbreaking.
      “He was such a nice guy, my thoughts are with all his family and our condolences are with all of them. He was one of the good ones.”
      Tributes have poured in for Rico, including from his and Tyson’s former boxing coach, Steve Egan, 60.
      He said: “I taught Rico, he was a lovely lad. I’m devastated. I feel like crying, he was a fantastic fella. He was a great laugh, there wasn’t a bad bone in him.”
      Rico’s death comes amid a wave of knife and gun violence across the UK.
      At least 11 people have been stabbed in England and Wales since last Monday.
      Shadow Home Secretary Yvette Cooper last night said: “Knife crime is destroying lives and devastating families.
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      “This is yet another horrific killing on Britain’s streets.
      “It is becoming a national crisis and we need urgent action from ministers before more lives are lost.”
      Ex-Tory MP and anti-knife campaigner Nick De Bois added: “The new PM needs to grip this to make our streets safer and stop this senseless waste of life.”
      Additional reporting: RICHARD MORIARTY & AMIR RAZAVI
      Police held a 21-year-old man at the scene and later arrested another, aged 20Credit: ASP More

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      Watch boxing judge confronted after controversial scorecard in Anthony Joshua’s rematch with Oleksandr Usyk

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      BOXING judge Glenn Feldman was confronted after he controversially scored Anthony Joshua as the winner against Oleksandr Usyk. AJ suffered a split-decision loss in his Saudi Arabia rematch against the pound-for-pound star.
      Glenn Feldman controversially scored Anthony Joshua as a winner against Oleksandr Usyk

      England’s Steve Gray wisely went 115-113 Usyk and Ukraine’s Victor Fesechko fairly called it 116-112 to his compatriot.
      But American Feldman stuck out having seen it 115-113 to Joshua, leading to much confusion.
      Online outlet ID Boxing managed to confront the experienced judge after the bout.
      Reporter Rob Tebbutt asked: “How did you score that fight for Anthony Joshua, Glenn?”
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      Feldman responded: “Just the way I did.”
      Probed further, he then said: “I can’t, you’d have to talk to my supervisor.”
      Feldman then refused to answer any further questions and allowed his supervisor to take the wrap.
      Eddie Hearn was also asked on his opinions on the scorecards and admitted he had Usyk winning the fight.
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      Hearn told iFL TV:  I felt he lost by two rounds but when it’s 115-113, it’s the swing of one or two rounds and you can see it the other way.
      “I had AJ level or maybe up at the end of the ninth but Usyk winning the last three rounds.
      ” I thought he was incredible and it was one of the great performances.
      “The ninth, Usyk was all over the place. He was hurt badly. He looked like he could be done.
      “What he did in the 10th was unbelievable and that’s why he was pound-for-pound No1.
      “The amount of punches he threw in the 10th was incredible. I just couldn’t believe what he did in the championship rounds.”
      Anthony Joshua lost to Oleksandr Usyk for the second consecutive timeCredit: PA More

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      ‘He picked it’ – Ebanie Bridges jokes eye-popping dress worn while watching Anthony Joshua vs Usyk was chosen by Brook

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      EBANIE BRIDGES joked the outfit she wore to watch Anthony Joshua’s loss to Oleksandr Usyk was picked out by Kell Brook.Bantamweight world champion Bridges, 35, went to Boxpark Croydon with retired welterweight Brook, 36, for the huge heavyweight clash on Saturday night.
      Kell Brook and Ebanie Bridges watched the big fight at Boxpark Croydon
      They shared several snaps of them together before the fightCredit: Instagram
      Bridges claimed Brook chose her outfit for the big fight nightCredit: Instagram
      On Sunday, Bridges then shared an image of herself with the ex-world champ and claimed he had selected her outfit for the evening.
      Speaking on social media, she said: “He picked this outfit… #ThanksKell.”
      Prior to AJ’s split decision defeat to Usyk, Bridges posted a picture of her and Brook.
      And she added a flirty caption which read: “Imagine the kids 👀 #JustSaying”.
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      Bridges boasts a professional record of eight wins and one loss – with her only defeat coming to Shannon Courtenay.
      In her last outing in March, she beat Maria Cecilia Roman to claim the IBF bantamweight crown.
      Meanwhile, Brook hung up his gloves earlier this year after a long-awaited clash with rival Amir Khan.
      The Sheffield-born fighter stopped Khan in six rounds with a sensational performance.
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      But, with fights against the likes of Chris Eubank Jr and Conor Benn rumoured to be in the works, Brook decided to retire.
      He told The Telegraph: “I’ve had a long chat with my family and my parents, and it’s over for me. I’ll never box again.
      “It’s a little emotional to be actually saying this out loud. My man is relieved. I think everyone around me is pleased.
      “[The] truth is, boxing is a very, very tough, dangerous sport, one in which you can be legally killed In the ring.
      “And I’ve finished with all my faculties intact.”
      Bridges won the IBF bantamweight world title in MarchCredit: Reuters
      Bridges has built up a substantial following on social media
      She has attracted a lot of attention for her attire at pre-fight weigh-insCredit: PA More

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      Ex-UFC star Mike Perry looks unrecognisable after bare-knuckle boxing bloodbath against Michael Venom Page

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      MIKE PERRY and Michael Venom Page were left bloodied, battered and bruised following their bare-knuckle boxing bloodbath. The pair of MMA stars headlined a Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship bill in London.
      Mike Perry after his fight with Michael Venom PageCredit: Rex
      Michael Venom Page was beaten by Mike PerryCredit: Rex
      They could not be settled so an extra round had to be added to the already five gruelling ones beforehand.
      And former UFC welterweight Perry emerged victorious, showing his battle scars after.
      The American was left with a suspected broken jaw as well as being cut up severely.
      Whereas Britain’s Page, floored in the opening round, had a gruesomely swollen left eye.
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      Perry joined BKFC after leaving the UFC and called out YouTuber-turned prizefighter Jake Paul, 25.
      He said: “Jake Paul, you need an opponent. You need the money fight, I’m the real money fight.
      “Maybe I’ll put the pillows back on if you’re scared to get in here.”
      Perry endured six tiresome rounds with Page in their London main-event.
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      He said: “S***, I said I was gonna do six rounds, and he said, ‘You don’t go to a draw with me.’
      “They were gonna give it to me at the end of five, but I walked out and told a lie, because I wanted more bloody, baby.
      “I didn’t know it, but now I do. This is definitely for me.
      “I love this, because a lot of tough men are scared of this, and I want to be the toughest SOB out there.”
      Mike Perry won after six brutal roundsCredit: Rex
      Mike Perry called out Jake PaulCredit: Rex More

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      Jake Paul, 25, and model girlfriend Julia Rose planning for baby as YouTuber-turned-boxer looks to start family

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      JAKE PAUL revealed he is planning for a child with his model girlfriend Julia Rose. The YouTuber-turned-boxer made the claim on an episode of his new show BS With Jake Paul, which guest starred UFC fighter Sean O’Malley.
      Julia Rose pictured with partner Jake PaulCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Rose has been with Jake Paul since 2020
      Paul, 25, said: “Julia and I are actually having conversations on like, when to get pregnant.”
      The American has been with Julia since 2020, the year he made his professional boxing debut, beating online rival “AnEsonGib”.
      He followed it up the next year by knocking out ex-NBA player Nate Robinson and retired UFC welterweight Ben Askren.
      Paul then beat Tyron Woodley on points before knocking the former UFC champion out in their rematch.
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      He had signed to face Tommy Fury but the British reality TV star pulled out after suffering a broken rib in training.
      Paul did reschedule the celebrity grudge match for August 6 but Fury withdrew again this time amid a US visa issue.
      Hasim Rahman Jr instead signed as a replacement but later a weight disagreement forced him out of the pay-per-view bill.
      It has left Paul sidelined, although as revealed by SunSport, he is eyeing a return in October, with Fury back in the running.
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      He said: “A certain somebody can’t keep my name out their mouth.
      “He’s got me in his Instagram bio, he’s doing tweets about me and he’s even put Amanda Serrano on the Joe Joyce and Joe Parker bill next month in Manchester knowing full well that I’ll be there.
      “I see he’s put out there that he’ll be fighting in October at 185lbs.
      “I’ve already been training. I am f***ing ready for October, 185lbs is my fighting weight.
      “If you want this dust settled once and for all, get yourself over here and let’s get it on.
      “There’s no excuses here, no one’s afraid to fight you. Get in touch, you pick the date, the venue, I’m not bothered. Let’s get this on.”
      Jake Paul is set to make his boxing return in OctoberCredit: INSTAGRAM@JAKEPAUL More

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      Conor McGregor leaps to Anthony Joshua’s defence over ‘great speech’ and thanks him for ‘shout out’ after Usyk defeat

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      CONOR McGREGOR leapt to Anthony Joshua’s defence over his “great speech” following defeat to Oleksandr Usyk. And the Irishman thinks he heard a secret “shout out” in Joshua’s rambling stream of consciousness.
      Anthony Joshua confused onlookers with a bizarre speech after losing to Oleksandr UsykCredit: PA
      Conor McGregor leapt to Anthony Joshua’s defence over his ‘great speech’Credit: Instagram @thenotoriousmma
      AJ was beaten on points for the second time in the space of a year to Ukrainian great Usyk.
      But following a repeat result in their Saudi Arabia rematch, Joshua, 32, raised eyebrows with his bizarre post-fight speech.
      AJ talked about his late start in boxing after avoiding jail, how he is heavier than legends of the past and Ukraine’s series of wars.
      Sky Sports pundit Carl Froch, 45, and even Joshua’s training partner Frazer Clarke, 31, slammed the incident.
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      But UFC legend McGregor, 34, tweeted: “You are all going on ridiculous over this. That is a great speech right there.
      “Fair play to him he made it yet he is still in there keeping that cog going.
      “If they wanted the mic they could’ve tried get it back. Then he gives me a shout out. Great fight, thank you!”
      AJ did not mention McGregor at any point but hailed Usyk, 35, as the “champ champ” – a phrase the Irishman made famous.
      Joshua said: “This guy is a phenomenal talent, we’re going to cheer for him three times.
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      “How many belts you got now bro, five? Hooray. I was studying Ukraine and their champions from your amazing country.
      “I’ve never been there, but at the same time, what’s happening there, I don’t know what’s happening.
      “It’s not nice, I’ve seen it in Lomachenko’s second fight. There were issues, civil war. Vitali Klitschko against Danny Williams, civil unrest.
      “Usyk, as a champion, please raise your hand, under those circumstances you became a champion. Champ, champ.”
      Anthony Joshua was beaten by Oleksandr Usyk in their rematchCredit: PA More

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      ‘I was mentally in a dark place’ – Anthony Joshua claims he ‘let himself down’ after Oleksandr Usyk defeat and ring rant

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      ANTHONY JOSHUA has admitted he let himself down with his rant after losing to Oleksandr Usyk on Saturday night.The Brit, 32, was defeated by split decision in Saudi Arabia as the Ukrainian champion emerged victorious for the second time in 11 months.
      Usyk beat AJ by split decision to retain his world heavyweight beltsCredit: AFP
      Joshua has reflected on the fight and his speech after the contestCredit: AFP
      After the bout, an angry Joshua threw Usyk’s belts out of the ring and stormed away but then returned and took the microphone before launching into a two-minute speech.
      Now he has reflected on the entire night as a whole, admitting he made some mistakes.
      Speaking on social media, he said: “I wish @usykaa continued success in your quest for greatness. You are a class act champ.
      “Yesterday I had to mentally take myself into a dark place to compete for the championship belts!
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      “I had two fights, one with Usyk and one with my emotions and both got the better of me.
      He then went on to add: “I’ll be the first to admit, I let myself down.
      “I acted out of pure passion and emotion and when not controlled it ain’t great.
      “I love this sport so, so much and I’ll be better from this point on. Respect.”
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      Joshua’s loss to Usyk was his third in the professional ranks as he failed to inflict a first defeat on the former undisputed cruiserweight champion.
      It was AJ’s 12th successive world title fight – a run which stretches back to when he claimed the IBF strap against Charles Martin in 2016.
      Now he is preparing to continue his career as a challenger seeking another shot at the belts.
      Joshua and promoter Eddie Hearn claimed in the post-fight press conference that the plan is for AJ to return before the end of the year.
      He has fought just twice since December 2020 – both of which have come against Usyk.
      Meanwhile, Usyk has his eyes set firmly on an undisputed clash with WBC champion Fury.
      The 35-year-old insisted in his post-fight interview that he will not return to the ring unless it is against The Gypsy King.
      And Fury, who has previously claimed he is retired, responded with a video in which 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!
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      “Send me in. I will relieve the Ukrainian dosser of his belts like I did the last Ukrainian dosser
      “But its not gonna be cheap. If you want the best you’ve got to pay, it’s gonna be very expensive.
      “So get your f***ing cheque book out and I will relieve that Ukrainian dosser.” More

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      Tyson Fury’s cousin Rico Burton’s final hours revealed as he watched Anthony Joshua fight before fatal stabbing

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      TYSON Fury’s cousin spent his final hours watching the clash between Anthony Joshua and Oleksandr Usyk before he was tragically stabbed to death, the Sun Online can reveal. Rico Burton, 31 – a former junior boxer himself – had been enjoying a night out in Manchester with friends when he was fatally in the neck just three hours after the Ukrainian’s victory.
      Rico Burton bought drinks for friends as he watched the Usky v Joshua bout last night before he was fatally stabbed
      Tyson Fury paid tribute to his cousin today – calling for action against knife crimeCredit: Getty
      The 31-year-old spent his last hours watched the Anthony Joshua and Oleksandr Usyk fightCredit: AFP
      Paramedics and cops rushed to Altrincham after Rico and a 17-year-old boy were attacked.
      Despite their efforts, Rico couldn’t be saved. The teen remains in hospital with serious injuries from what cops called a “senseless attack.”
      Police have now arrested two men, aged 21 and 20, on suspicion of murder and causing grievous bodily harm (GBH) with intent.
      Pals said today that Rico, who trained with Fury in his younger years, had been watching the big fight at the Church Inn in Flixton before heading into town.
      Read more on Tyson Fury
      Jim Flanagan, 75, who has known the Burton family for more than 30 years, said Rico gave him a huge “bear-hug” and bought him a pint last night.
      He told The Sun: “I’ve known the whole family for 30 years or more.
      “Rico was my friend, he was just a lovely man. He used to walk up and down the lane with his phone and we would always have a chat.
      “When I went out last night, and we came up here they were all here, they had all come out to watch the fight.
      “As soon as I walked over Rico walked up to me, and gave me the biggest hug, and then bought me a pint.
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      “We just had a bit of a chat and then the fight came on and people were just watching that.”
      He called Rico a “lovely lad”.
      “Last night in the pub before they all went to town, he was full of it, he was laughing and joking and buying drinks for people,” Jim said.
      “He was just full of life. That’s why it hurt so much when I got the news this morning.
      “He was a larger-than-life character, and to hear that he’s gone, it’s heartbreaking.”
      Boxing legend Fury shared the tragic news of Rico’s death in a shock Instagram post this morning – saying his cousin had been stabbed in the neck.
      Superintendent Ben Ewart of Greater Manchester Police said that the two suspects remained in custody and that the families of both victims were receiving support.
      He described the attack as “senseless”, adding: “Everything suggests at this stage that [Mr Burton] was enjoying an evening out with friends, and this has taken place spontaneously and unplanned – it’s a very tragic ending to what should have been a good night out with friends.”
      He added that the 17-year-old injured in the attack was in a “serious but not life-threatening” condition is hospital.
      He could not confirm whether any weapons had been recovered or if the victims were known to the attackers.
      He was also unable to confirm where exactly the attack occurred, but did say that it was at a venue in Goose Green and that the two men had been stabbed outside the pub.
      ‘FULL OF LIFE’
      It comes after Tyson Fury called for more to be done to end the scourge of knife crime in the UK.
      Posting on Instagram, the boxing champ said: “This is becoming ridiculous – idiots carry knives. This needs to stop.”
      The 34-year-old called on the Government to “bring back higher sentencing for knife crime”, adding: “It’s a pandemic.
      “You don’t know how hard 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.”
      Rico had won two national titles fighting as a junior, and boxed competitively until he was 19. He left the gym to look for a career in roofing and building work.
      Steve Egan, Rico and Fury’s former coach, told The Sun he’s “devastated”.
      “He was a fantastic fella, I used to call him our Billy Joe Saunders because he was such a good fighter,” he said.
      He was a larger-than-life character, and to hear that he’s gone… it’s heartbreakingJim Flanagan
      “His mam is going to be devastated, it’s going to finish her off.
      “He was always smiling, he knows his boxing is bang on. He loves his mum and his brother and his cousin.”
      Steve said Rico “had always admired” Fury.
      “Tyson was a hero to him and he wanted to be like him,” he said.
      “He was close with Tyson and they would spar together and were best of mates.”
      There was a 10 per cent spike in knife crime in England and Wales to March 2022 when compared with the previous year.
      In that timeframe, police recorded 49,027 knife offences – the largest percentage increase since 2019.
      Knife crime has also surged by almost 50 per cent when compared to the year to March 2012.
      Fury, who was born in Manchester, comes from a big family. He and his wife Paris, 31, have six children of their own. They live in Lancashire, although the boxer also owns a home in Vegas.
      USYK v JOSHUA
      The fight that Rico had been watching with mates saw Anthony Joshua beaten by Oleksandr Usyk again – this time by split decision.
      The crowd looked on in disbelief when the British boxing icon threw Usyk’s heavyweight belts out of the ring before hijacking the microphone to deliver a bizarre speech after his loss to the Ukrainian.
      After the result was announced, Joshua hurled Usyk’s belts out of the ring before appearing to storm off.
      He then decided to return to the squared circle to shake hands with his opponent.
      But as they talked in the ring, AJ said: “I don’t care about strong, I have to have skill.
      “Being strong doesn’t win boxing. Skills win boxing.”
      His passionate speech continued and Joshua even got the crowd to awkwardly cheer Usyk who appeared baffled
      Later AJ broke down in tears during his press conference and was comforted by promotor Eddie Hearn.
      Usyk, 35, also said he was determined to fight Tyson Fury next – before the star posted about his cousin’s tragedy this morning.
      When the winner finally got his hands on the mic last night, he had said: “I’m sure that Tyson Fury is not retired yet.
      Read More on The Sun
      “I’m sure, I’m convinced he wants to fight me.
      “I want to fight him and if I’m not fighting Tyson Fury, I’m not fighting at all.”
      Fury announced the news in a moving Instagram post this morningCredit: tysonfury/Instagram
      Cops and paramedics dashed to Altrincham, but Rico couldn’t be saved. A 17-year-old boy was also seriously hurtCredit: ASP
      The ace has urged the Government to do more to tackle knife crimeCredit: ASP
      In the hours before learning of Rico’s death, Fury had shared his thoughts on last night’s match and suggested he could come out of retirement to battle UsykCredit: Getty More