Global pop superstar Dua Lipa has reportedly turned down an official offer to perform at the long-awaited and highly anticipated heavyweight showdown between British rivals Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury. The rejection comes despite playful or hyperbolic suggestions from the event’s primary financial backer that the entire multi-million-pound blockbuster could somehow be jeopardized if the Grammy Award-winning singer did not agree to take the stage.
Earlier this week, the boxing world was sent into a frenzy when it was formally announced that terms had been agreed upon for the historic all-British clash between Joshua and Fury. While an official venue has not yet been locked in stone, legendary boxing headquarters Wembley Stadium is widely viewed as the likeliest and most logical option to host a sporting event of this massive global magnitude.
The confirmation of the bout arrived via Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority chairman, Turki Alalshikh, who has played a monumental role in orchestrating and financing the biggest fights in modern boxing history. Turning to social media to break the news to British sports fans, Alalshikh wrote definitively: "To my friends in Great Britain – it’s happening. It’s signed."
However, behind the scenes, high-stakes negotiations extended far beyond the ring ropes and into the realm of live entertainment and global broadcasting. Daily Mail Sport exclusively revealed earlier that Alalshikh was deeply hopeful of securing Dua Lipa to attend and perform at the event. The Saudi entertainment chief is known to be a passionate fan of the British singer’s celebrated musical catalog and her meteoric rise to global superstardom.
In a surprising twist during the early promotional phase, Alalshikh playfully or provocatively suggested that the viability of the fight itself could be in doubt if Dua Lipa did not ultimately agree to perform. Followers of the sport and media outlets were initially left guessing whether the financial backer’s public comments were entirely serious or merely a piece of light-hearted hyperbole designed to generate maximum publicity.
Promoter Eddie Hearn shed further light on the peculiar demand while speaking to Knockout this week. Clarifying the origin of the unusual stipulation, Hearn explained that the request did not stem directly from either fighter or their immediate promotional teams.
"That’s not a request from either fighter or me," Hearn told the outlet. "But he is saying that if Netflix want to do the show it’s got to be in London and Dua Lip’s got to perform. That’s over to Turki Alalshikh."
According to subsequent reports from the BBC, the three-time Grammy Award-winning artist was officially approached regarding the promotional appearance but has since formally declined the opportunity. The 30-year-old singer, globally recognized for chart-topping contemporary anthems such as New Rules, Don’t Start Now, and Levitating, has decided against participating in the combat sports spectacle.
While the administrative details and entertainment logistics for the Fury bout continue to swirl, both fighters face immediate professional milestones and personal challenges before they finally step into the ring together toward the end of 2026.
For Anthony Joshua, the path back to a career-defining domestic clash requires navigating a rigorous comeback fight. The former heavyweight champion is scheduled to make his much-anticipated return to the ring in Riyadh on July 25, where he will face Albania’s Kristian Prenga.
This upcoming appearance marks Joshua’s first competitive bout since he was involved in a tragic car crash in December in Nigeria. The devastating accident claimed the lives of two of his closest friends, who were also valued members of his inner team and training setup. The emotional and physical fallout from the tragedy forced the heavyweight star to step away from the sport temporarily to grieve, heal, and rebuild his life.
Reflecting on his return and the arduous journey back to elite competition, Joshua opened up about the difficult months following the accident.
"It’s no secret I’ve taken some time to consolidate and rebuild to be ready for stepping back in to the ring and today is the next step on that journey," Joshua said. "I’m delighted to have agreed a multi fight deal starting with July 25th in the kingdom of Saudi Arabia. I’m looking forward to competing and picking up where I left off."
Displaying his characteristic confidence ahead of his return against Prenga, the British heavyweight added: "As I said. The landlord will collect his rent. That is certain."
Meanwhile, Tyson Fury, 37, used the dramatic conclusion of his recent comeback victory over Arslanbek Makhmudov to directly target his long-standing rival and issue a public challenge for their paths to cross next.
"I want to give you the fight you’ve all been waiting for," Fury declared from the center of the ring after his victory. "I want you, AJ, Anthony Joshua. Let’s give the fight fans what they want, the Battle of Britain. I want to fight you next, do you accept my challenge?"
Joshua, who was watching the action unfold closely from a ringside seat, initially remained completely composed, choosing not to flinch or immediately respond to the verbal provocation. Unfazed by the silence, Fury pressed the issue further in front of the roaring crowd and global television audience.
"You’re a big shouse, do you want the fight or not?! There’s no running from me this time – 10 years in the making, let’s fing dance," Fury shouted.
Following the dramatic in-ring callout, streaming giant Netflix announced that they intended to broadcast the heavily anticipated matchup in the autumn, though Joshua subsequently played down the definitive nature of that announcement.
Joshua has consistently insisted that he is "ducking no-one" in the heavyweight division, maintaining that his primary focus remains on repairing his personal life and honoring the memory of his late friends, Sina Ghami and Latif Ayodele, who lost their lives in the December vehicle crash. Both the fighter and his long-time promoter, Eddie Hearn, have spoken openly about the profound psychological impact the tragedy had on the athlete.
Elaborating on the current state of affairs regarding the fight negotiations during a candid interview with Netflix, Joshua addressed the media hype and the reality of the contractual process.
"I’m going to be completely honest. There’s a negotiation to go through," Joshua said. "I’ve sat at this table many times. I’m not here to chase clout. Contracts will be sent over and I’ll more than likely be in the ring with him next."
Taking aim at his rival’s past departures from the sport, Joshua emphasized his own unwavering commitment and longevity within professional boxing.
"He’s the one that retired. I’ve been in the game for 13 years, I’ve never retired. I make the big fights, that’s what I said to him. He works for me," Joshua stated.
"I know what my job is, there’s just real things going on in my life. I run the game, I’m a serious fighter and I’m very strong as well. When I hit Fury I’m gonna hurt him bad."
Acknowledging the heavy personal toll of recent months, Joshua reiterated the necessity of handling his affairs before committing fully to the promotional frenzy surrounding the bout.
"I have to take a minute and do what’s best for me. I’m sorting some things out for my brothers and their families," he explained.
Drawing on his extensive history of high-profile negotiations throughout his illustrious career, Joshua urged caution regarding premature announcements, drawing comparisons to past near-misses in the division.
"I’ve been here a million times with him before. If I’m honest with you right now, until we’re in the ring there is no fight with him. I’ve been here three or four times before with Deontay Wilder and Fury," Joshua concluded.
