Tyson Fury's cousin spent his final hours laughing and joking with pals as they watched Anthony Joshua's defeat by Oleksandr Usyk, before he was brutally stabbed to death.
Rico Burton, 31, was stabbed in the neck in Altrincham just three hours after Usyk retained his world heavyweight titles with a split decision victory over Joshua, Fury's domestic rival.
Paramedics couldn't save Rico but a 17-year-old boy who was also attacked remains in hospital suffering from serious injuries.
Two men, aged 21 and 20, have been arrested on suspicion of murder and causing grievous bodily harm with intent.
Rico had been watching the fight at the Church Inn in Flixton before heading into Manchester with friends for a night out.
Jim Flanagan, 75, had been in the same pub, and 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.
“We just had a bit of a chat and then the fight came on and people were just watching that. 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.
“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.”
Fury shared the news that his cousin had been stabbed on social media on Sunday morning, urging for more to be done to prevent knife crime.
He posted: "This is becoming ridiculous - idiots carry knives. This needs to stop." Fury also called on the government to "bring back higher sentencing for knife crime".
The Gypsy King added: "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."
Police called the incident a "senseless attack", and confirmed both suspects remain in custody while families of the victims receive support.
Superintendent Ben Ewart of Greater Manchester Police said: "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.”
