Dua Lipa has reportedly declined an offer to perform at the blockbuster heavyweight showdown between Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury, despite earlier suggestions that the fight could be jeopardized if she did not agree to appear.
Fight Deal Confirmed
It was announced earlier this week that terms for the long-awaited fight had been agreed. No venue has yet been decided, but Wembley Stadium is viewed as the likeliest option. Saudi Arabia's General Entertainment Authority chairman Turki Al-Sheikh confirmed the showdown, which is expected to be held towards the end of 2026, writing: 'To my friends in Great Britain – it's happening. It's signed.'
Al-Sheikh's Hopes Dashed
Daily Mail Sport exclusively revealed that Alalshikh was hopeful of having Dua Lipa in attendance and performing, having been a big fan of the British singer's music and her rise to stardom. Alalshikh, the event's financier, then suggested the fight could yet be jeopardised if Dua Lipa did not agree to perform. It was unclear whether his comments were serious or light-hearted.
Dua Lipa Declines
According to the BBC, the three-time Grammy award winner has since been approached and has declined appearing as part of the promotion. The 30-year-old singer is best known for her hits New Rules, Don't Start Now, and Levitating.
Joshua's Comeback Fight
Joshua is set to make his boxing comeback in Riyadh on July 25 against Albania's Kristian Prenga. He will be fighting for the first time since being injured in a car crash in December in Nigeria, which took the life of two of his closest friends, who were also members of his team. '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. As I said. The landlord will collect his rent. That is certain.'
Fury Calls Out Joshua
Fury, 37, had used the end of his comeback fight victory over Arslanbek Makhmudov to call out Joshua to face him 'next'. 'I want to give you the fight you've all been waiting for,' Fury said. '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, sat ringside, did not flinch nor initially answer. Fury followed up: 'You're a big s***house, do you want the fight or not?! There's no running from me this time - 10 years in the making, let's f***ing dance.'
Netflix Deal and Joshua's Response
Netflix had then announced they would be showing the fight in the Autumn, before Joshua played down the claim. Joshua insisted he was 'ducking no-one' and instead is focused on repairing his life after the December car crash that killed his friends Sina Ghami and Latif Ayodele. Both he and promoter Eddie Hearn have spoken about the psychological impact on him.
'I'm going to be completely honest. There's a negotiation to go through,' Joshua eventually said in a Netflix interview. '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. 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. 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. 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. 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.'
