Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua fight rocked as Dua Lipa snubs offer

Jack Otway
Fri, 01 May 2026 13:35:53 +0000

Dua Lipa has turned down an invitation to take the stage at the highly anticipated Anthony Joshua versus Tyson Fury heavyweight clash.

The three-time Grammy winner, known for chart-toppers like New Rules and Levitating, was approached about appearing as part of the promotion but reportedly said no.

It's a fascinating twist, given that Saudi financier Turki Alalshikh had suggested the entire bout could be in jeopardy without the 30-year-old British pop star's involvement.

Whether those comments were made in jest or with genuine intent remains unclear.

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This week brought confirmation that terms for the long-awaited Battle of Britain showdown have finally been agreed.

Wembley is currently seen as the most probable location for the showdown, though no official venue announcement has been made yet.

The contest is anticipated to take place towards the latter part of 2026.

Alalshikh, chairman of Saudi Arabia's General Entertainment Authority, confirmed the deal had been sealed, writing: "To my friends in Great Britain - it's happening. It's signed."

The financier had apparently been keen to have Dua Lipa perform, being a big admirer of her music and meteoric rise to fame.

Promoter Eddie Hearn addressed the situation this week, telling Knockout: "That's not a request from either fighter or me."

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He added: "But he is saying that if Netflix want to do the show it's got to be in London and Dua Lipa's got to perform. That's over to Turki Alalshikh."

Joshua is gearing up for his boxing return on July 25 in Riyadh, where he'll face Albanian fighter Kristian Prenga.

It will mark his first time back in the ring following a devastating car crash in Nigeria last December that claimed the lives of two of his closest friends and team members, Sina Ghami and Latif Ayodele.

Both Joshua and his promoter Eddie Hearn have spoken openly about the psychological toll the tragedy has taken.

"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.

He expressed his delight at securing a multi-fight deal beginning in Saudi Arabia, adding: "As I said. The landlord will collect his rent. That is certain."

Fury, now 37, wasted no time issuing his challenge after securing a comeback victory over Arslanbek Makhmudov.

"I want to give you the fight you've all been waiting for," Fury declared.

"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, watching from ringside, remained composed and didn't immediately respond.

In a Netflix interview, Joshua eventually addressed the situation: "I'm going to be completely honest. There's a negotiation to go through. I've sat at this table many times."

He maintained a cautious stance, stating: "If I'm honest with you right now, until we're in the ring there is no fight with him."