Pop superstar Dua Lipa has turned down an opportunity to perform at the championship fight between Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury later this year, the BBC has learned. The two British boxing champions, aged 36 and 37 in that order, have reached an agreement for a highly anticipated all-British contest planned for the end of 2026, with Wembley Stadium in October emerging as organisers’ chosen venue. The Grammy Award-winning singer, recognised for global hits like Levitating and Don’t Start Now, was asked about performing in the fixture but rejected the request. Her move comes following Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority chairman Turki Al-Sheikh had suggested the fight could face problems in the absence of her presence, though it is not clear whether the statement was offered in earnest or said in jest.
The Rejected Showing
Musical shows by major stars have become an increasingly popular element at significant boxing competitions in recent years, with organisers looking to amplify the occasion and draw wider audiences. The pattern includes some of entertainment’s top performers headline at championship bouts, turning fight nights into entertainment extravaganzas that stretch well outside the ring itself. These performances have proven powerful in building buzz and attracting casual viewers who would not normally watch purely for boxing.
Dua Lipa’s choice to reject the Joshua-Fury offer differs from several recent high-profile instances of musicians embracing ringside performances. Rapper Eminem was present alongside Terence Crawford at his welterweight championship fight against Errol Spence Jr., whilst Oasis frontman Liam Gallagher performed before Daniel Dubois’ win against Anthony Joshua at Wembley in 2024. In the most recent instance, 50 Cent provided music during Chris Eubank Jr’s ringwalk for his rematch with Conor Benn, showcasing the ongoing popularity of star entertainers at boxing’s biggest occasions.
- Eminem accompanied Terence Crawford during welterweight title fight
- Liam Gallagher took the stage ahead of Dubois defeated Joshua at the Wembley
- 50 Cent took part in Eubank Jr’s latest rematch walkout
- Musical performances have become common occurrence during big boxing matches
The Joshua-Fury Highly Anticipated Clash
The major bout between Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury constitutes one of boxing’s most anticipated all-British clashes, at last uniting two of the sport’s most prominent figures after over ten years of unsuccessful efforts to arrange a meeting. Both fighters, now in their mid-to-late thirties, have reached agreement for the event, which is scheduled for the latter part of 2026. Wembley Stadium in October has emerged as organisers’ preferred venue, offering a suitable setting for what promises to be a career-defining match. Should the bout take place as intended, both men are expected to earn career-high paydays, reflecting the commercial magnitude of the occasion and the sustained fan interest for this particular matchup.
The path to at last obtaining this bout has been marked by complications and disappointments for boxing fans. Joshua, aged 36, and Fury, 37, have occupied roughly a decade moving around each other without actually entering the ring together. Prior discussions broke down continually, leaving supporters disheartened and unconvinced about whether the fight would ever materialise. Now, with both fighters ostensibly resolved and firm conditions settled, there is genuine optimism that this long-awaited clash will at last materialise, providing the ultimate heavyweight battle that fans have yearned for over time.
The Route to the Ring
Before Joshua can confront Fury, he must first navigate a major obstacle in the form of his scheduled bout against Kristian Prenga on 25 July in Saudi Arabia. This fight acts as a crucial stepping stone, with Queensberry promoter Frank Warren cautioning that a Joshua losing would almost certainly undermine any hopes for a later bout with the Gypsy King. The stakes could hardly be higher for the previously unified champion, as a defeat would undermine not only his near-term goals but possibly his complete legacy and income potential at this point in his career.
Meanwhile, Fury has already begun his return from retirement with a recent win over Arslanbek Makhmudov last month. The heavyweight champion is actively exploring taking another bout whilst awaiting Joshua’s outcome, keeping him sharp and competitive rather than remaining inactive. This tactical strategy keeps Fury occupied and preserves his competitive sharpness, whilst also giving promoters flexibility in building the schedule for the Joshua clash once the former titleholder has successfully navigated his July commitment.
Entertainment during Boxing’s Biggest Events
| Artist | Event | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Eminem | Terence Crawford vs Errol Spence Jr (Welterweight Championship) | 2024 |
| Liam Gallagher | Daniel Dubois vs Anthony Joshua at Wembley | 2024 |
| 50 Cent | Chris Eubank Jr vs Conor Benn (Rematch) | 2025 |
| Dua Lipa | Anthony Joshua vs Tyson Fury (Declined) | 2026 |
| Various Artists | Major Boxing Events (General Feature) | Recent Years |
Musical shows by well-known entertainers have become an growing central feature of major boxing events, enhancing the grandeur and entertainment experience of major fights. From hip-hop performers walking alongside competitors to the ring to renowned rock vocalists delivering opening show performances, promoters have identified the financial value of merging elite boxing with high-profile performances. These collaborations appeal to larger audiences beyond committed boxing fans, turning matches into full-scale entertainment events. The trend reflects the today’s boxing world’s evolution towards creating all-encompassing events that match major sporting spectacles and concert events in their breadth and cultural importance.
What The Future Holds for the Title Fight
The path to a Joshua versus Fury clash remains contingent upon multiple key factors, most notably Joshua’s scheduled bout against Kristian Prenga on 25 July in Saudi Arabia. Should the former unified champion lose in that contest, promoter Frank Warren has stated that the entire Fury showdown would likely be scuppered. This interim fight serves as a crucial litmus test, determining whether the long-awaited all-British spectacle can finally materialise after a ten years of unsuccessful bids to bring these two heavyweight champions face to face.
If both fighters are able to meet their individual obligations, organisers are targeting a fixture at Wembley Stadium in October as the primary setting for this significant bout. The bout marks a possible career-altering opportunity for both men, with considerable monetary incentives on offer. A Joshua win over Prenga would clear the path for what promises to be one of boxing’s most significant domestic drillings in recent memory, providing the marquee clash British boxing fans have eagerly anticipated for years.
- Joshua must defeat Kristian Prenga on 25 July to keep Fury fight alive
- Wembley Stadium in October is the preferred venue for the heavyweight bout
- Both fighters could pocket career-high paydays should the bout proceed as planned