A friend claims that Tyson Fury's cousin was attempting to mediate when he was fatally stabbed just hours after watching Anthony Joshua battle Oleksandr Usuk.

After being "stabbed in the neck" outside a bar in Goose Green, Altrincham, Rico Burton, 31, died early on August 21.

He was reportedly enjoying a night out with friends when he was attacked with a knife in a "spontaneous" and "unplanned" incident outside the establishment, according to Greater Manchester Police.

After watching the junior boxer reportedly step outside for a "straightener," Mr. Burton entered another bar in Altrincham where he was watching the heavyweight match.

"From what I've heard, it was just a bit of a scuffle," said Shaun Egan, who previously coached Rico alongside his brother Steve at Jimmy Egan's Boxing Academy in Manchester. Other guys attempted to enter a club, but they were turned away. Rico was attempting to diffuse the conflict; it wasn't with him. After it had been resolved, the man suddenly stabbed them. It is absurd and so pointless.

Two men were suddenly on the ground as a few men were arguing outside, according to a witness. It all happened so fast, but no one knows what caused the fight.'

A 17-year-old boy was also found with stab wounds, with both victims receiving first aid from members of the public prior to the arrival of emergency services. 

They were both taken to Manchester Royal Infirmary, where Mr. Burton died of his injuries, while the teenage boy remains in a serious but non-life-threatening condition.

Two men, aged 21 and 20, have been arrested in connection with the attack. They both remain in police custody. 

On Sunday, Fury made an emotional plea for tougher sentences for knife crime, calling on the government to deal with the 'pandemic', while also paying tribute to his cousin.