The widow of a bare-knuckle boxer known as the "King of Sheffield" has threatened "bad riots" if a council touches his 37-ton grave.
Dad-of-nine Willy Collins, 49, died on holiday, sparking and outpouring of grief among the traveller community.
His widow Kathleen Collins has now warned there will be a war if his grave is removed by the council.
His monument in Shiregreen Cemetery has attracted a lot of criticism as it features 37 tonnes of imported Italian marble, a jukebox, multiple statues and LED lights.
But YorkshireLive reports Kathleen, 49, claims racism is behind protests against the massive monument.
She told the MailOnline : "There have been vicious comments on social media from those who hate the traveller community and they have left the whole family feeling very hurt and angry.
"People are threatening to pull the monument down or damage it while the council is saying we may have to change it, it but if that happens, there's going to be war
"It's going to cause very, very bad riots if they take my husband's headstone down.
"I am warning the public and the council, don't touch the beautiful monument we have put up to remember my darling Willy."
Sheffield City Council said the monument differs from the one submitted and approved in the planning application.
A council spokesman said: " Sheffield City Council approved plans for a memorial; however, the plans which were submitted and approved differ from the memorial now in place.
"This was not fully appreciated until after the structure was fully unveiled.
"We have reached out to the family and intend to discuss changes which need to be made in order to satisfy the cemetery rules and take into consideration other cemetery users.
"It would not be appropriate to discuss the details further as this is a sensitive matter and we wish to speak with the family fully in the coming days."
