Row over giant memorial to bare-knuckle boxer and 'King of Sheffield' continues four years on
The row over a giant memorial to a bare-knuckle boxer dubbed the ‘King of Sheffield’ continues to rumble on four years after the structure was installed.
The 37-ton memorial to Willy Collins was unveiled at Shiregreen Cemetery in March 2022, following the father-of-nine’s sudden death at the age of just 49.
The memorial features two life-size statues of Willy, depictions of biblical scenes, a jukebox playing his favourite songs and coloured LED lighting.
It reportedly cost £200,000 and has divided opinion, with some people admiring the spectacle and others branding it an eyesore.
Sheffield Council claimed shortly after it was unveiled that the memorial’s size breached guidelines for graves in the city, but the Collins family have always insisted permission was granted.
In an update this week, Sheffield Council said: “This is a complex situation, and the council is continuing its work on the issues involved, including considering appropriate next steps.
“The council will be sure to let local residents know when there is an update on this matter.
“Memorials in Sheffield City Council cemeteries do not require planning permission.
“Memorials may only be erected or modified following a formal application to the council by the grave owner.
“In this case, the council approved a permit for kerbs and headstones and applied the appropriate fee.
“The final memorial was erected in March 2022 and differed from the structure that had been approved.”
Born in Ireland, Willy Collins, often known as Big Willy Collins, was on holiday with his family in Port de Pollença, Majorca, Spain, when tragedy struck.
Willy moved to Sheffield as a boy in 1980 and grew up in Pitsmoor.
He used to train at Brendan Ingle's gym in Wincobank, and despite the fact that he and his wife moved around, Sheffield was always home, and they eventually settled in Darnall.
Willy was the patriarch of the Collins family.
He met his wife Kathleen when she was 11 years old and the couple tied the knot six years later and enjoyed over 30 years of marriage before his untimely death.
After his passing, she said: "Everybody knew him for fighting, he was the King of Sheffield and was very well-respected. People used to call him the gentle giant - he would be the first person to pay for anything if somebody needed it and was just loved by everyone."
Years before his death, Willy was left fighting for life after an attack in which his brother, Anthony, known as 'Marty Boy', died.
They were stabbed at the Afro Caribbean Club, Spital Hill, when a dispute in the club turned violent.