Tyson Fury pays tribute to ‘King of Sheffield’ as Shayne Ward honours Willy Collins in song

Willy, a dad-of-nine from Darnall, died unexpectedly during a holiday on the Spanish island of Mallorca with his wife, Kathleen.

The popular former bare-knuckle fighter’s funeral is to be held in Sheffield tomorrow, with large crowds expected.

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Boxers and singers have paid tribute to ‘Big Red Willy’ and sent messages of condolence to his family in video messages which have been shared online.

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In his message, double world champion, Fury said: “This is a rest in peace message to Big Red Willy Collins. God bless you, rest in peace.”

Former bare knuckle boxer Paddy Doherty, who shot to fame as a reality TV star through My Big Fat Gypsy Wedding and went on to win Celebrity Big Brother 8, also posted a message, in which he spoke of his sadness at Willy’s death and described him as a ‘nice chap’ and ‘fine man’.

Champion boxer Billy Joe Saunders, who trains in Sheffield, also left a video message, in which he said Willy was a good friend’s dad and described him as a ‘gentleman’.

“Met you a handful of times, a gentleman. May god give you a good bed in heaven,” he added.

In his message, Sheffield boxer Kel Brook said he has ‘lot of respect’ for the Collins family, who he knows through boxing and sent his ‘condolences’.

Singer Shayne Ward posted a tribute and sang a song in memory of Willy, and DJ Tom Zanetti also posted a message.

He said: “I am sorry for your loss, my thoughts are with all of you at this sad time.

“It might not seem like it now but it will get easier to cope with in time and I know he will be up there shining down strength so you can all smile at the nice times and try not to be sad as hard as it is.”

A graveside mass and burial will be held at Shiregreen Cemetery at 1pm tomorrow.