Pop superstar Dua Lipa has turned down an invitation to perform at the championship fight between Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury in the coming months, the BBC has learned. The two British pugilists, aged 36 and 37 respectively, have reached an agreement for a long-awaited all-British contest planned for the final months of 2026, with Wembley Stadium in October identified as organisers’ favoured location. The award-winning singer, recognised for worldwide hits such as Levitating and Don’t Start Now, was contacted regarding taking part in the fixture but turned down the request. Her move comes after Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority chairman Turki Al-Sheikh had suggested the fight could be jeopardised without her presence, though it is not clear whether the comment was offered in earnest or made playfully.
The Failed Performance
Musical shows by major stars have grown into an ever-more sought-after feature at top-tier boxing matches in recent years, with promoters keen to amplify the occasion and reach broader viewership. The pattern includes some of the world’s biggest names headline at major bouts, transforming fight nights into grand entertainment productions that stretch well outside the ring itself. These acts have demonstrated powerful in building buzz and engaging casual fans who would not ordinarily watch purely for boxing.
Dua Lipa’s refusal of the Joshua-Fury offer stands in contrast to several recent prominent examples of artists performing at ringside performances. Rapper Eminem accompanied Terence Crawford at his welterweight title fight versus Errol Spence Jr., whilst Oasis frontman Liam Gallagher played during Daniel Dubois’ win against Anthony Joshua at Wembley in 2024. In the most recent instance, 50 Cent took the stage for Chris Eubank Jr’s ringwalk for his second bout with Conor Benn, showcasing the sustained draw of star entertainers at major boxing events.
- Eminem was present with Terence Crawford during welterweight championship bout
- Liam Gallagher took the stage ahead of Dubois overcame Joshua at Wembley
- 50 Cent took part in Eubank Jr’s latest return bout entrance
- Musical performances now 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 highly awaited all-British contests, finally bringing together two of the sport’s biggest names after over ten years of unsuccessful efforts to arrange a meeting. Both fighters, now in their mid-to-late thirties, have agreed terms for the spectacle, which is scheduled for the end of 2026. Wembley Stadium in October has emerged as organisers’ preferred venue, offering a suitable setting for what promises to be a career-defining encounter. Should the fight materialise as intended, both men are anticipated to receive record-breaking earnings, demonstrating the financial scale of the occasion and the sustained fan interest for this particular matchup.
The journey to at last obtaining this bout has been marked by complications and disappointments for boxing fans. Joshua, aged 36, and Fury, 37, have consumed nearly a decade dancing around one another without successfully stepping into the ring together. Prior discussions broke down continually, leaving supporters disheartened and unconvinced about whether the fight would ever take place. Now, with both fighters apparently committed and concrete terms agreed, there is genuine optimism that this eagerly-anticipated showdown will eventually reach completion, providing the conclusive heavyweight contest that fans have yearned for over time.
The Journey to the Ring
Before Joshua can confront Fury, he must first overcome a significant hurdle in the form of his planned fight against Kristian Prenga on 25 July in Saudi Arabia. This fight serves as a important stepping stone, with Queensberry promoter Frank Warren cautioning that a loss for Joshua would almost certainly undermine any prospects of a subsequent clash with the Gypsy King. The stakes could barely be more significant for the ex-unified champion, as a loss would jeopardise not only his near-term goals but conceivably his overall legacy and income potential at this juncture in his career.
Meanwhile, Fury has already begun his comeback from retirement with a recent win over Arslanbek Makhmudov in recent weeks. The heavyweight champion is actively considering taking another bout whilst awaiting Joshua’s outcome, keeping him sharp and competitive rather than sitting idle. This strategic approach keeps Fury occupied and preserves his competitive sharpness, whilst also allowing promoters flexibility in constructing the timeline for the Joshua showdown once the former champion has successfully navigated his July obligation.
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, boosting the spectacle and entertainment value of championship matches. From rap artists escorting boxers to the ring to renowned rock vocalists providing pre-bout entertainment, promoters have acknowledged the commercial appeal of combining world-class boxing with high-profile performances. These collaborations attract broader audiences beyond dedicated boxing enthusiasts, converting bouts into full-scale entertainment events. The trend shows the modern boxing industry’s evolution towards creating all-encompassing events that compete with significant sporting events and music festivals in their scale and cultural impact.
What Lies Ahead for the Major Clash
The road to a Joshua versus Fury clash stays contingent upon several critical factors, most notably Joshua’s scheduled bout against Kristian Prenga on 25 July in Saudi Arabia. Should the former unified champion lose in that encounter, promoter Frank Warren has stated that the entire Fury clash would likely be scuppered. This interim fight serves as a vital indicator, determining whether the long-awaited British heavyweight showdown can eventually take place after a ten years of failed attempts to bring these two heavyweight champions together in the ring.
If both fighters manage to fulfil their respective commitments, organisers are aiming for 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 significant financial gains on offer. A Joshua win over Prenga would open the door for what looks set to be one of boxing’s greatest domestic matchups in recent memory, providing the mega fight British boxing fans have long awaited for years.
- Joshua must defeat Kristian Prenga on 25 July to maintain the Fury fight prospect
- Wembley Stadium in October is the chosen location for the heavyweight bout
- Both fighters stand to earn career-high paydays should the bout take place as intended