Dua Lipa Declines Invitation to Perform at Fury vs. Joshua Boxing Match
In a recent turn of events, singer Dua Lipa has chosen not to accept an invitation to perform during the highly anticipated boxing match between Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua, scheduled for later this year. This announcement follows the recent news that both heavyweight champions have formally agreed to face each other after years of negotiations, though specific details regarding the date and venue remain unconfirmed.
Upcoming Fights and Venue Speculations
Currently, Joshua, aged 36, is set to have a preliminary fight against lesser-known opponent Kristian Prenga in Saudi Arabia on July 25 before potentially facing Fury in the autumn of 2026, with Wembley Stadium being a likely location for the much-discussed bout. Meanwhile, Tyson Fury, who is 37, has expressed interest in having a warm-up match, despite having just fought and defeated Arslanbek Makhmudov at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium three weeks ago.
Matchmaker’s Enthusiasm and Dua Lipa’s Decision
Adding a twist to the situation, Turki Alalshikh, a matchmaker from Saudi Arabia, had shown enthusiasm for adding Dua Lipa’s performance to the Fury vs. Joshua event. According to reports from Sky Sports, Alalshikh humorously suggested that he might withdraw support for the match if Dua Lipa did not accept the offer, but it’s unclear if the statement was meant seriously.
Despite the attention and pressure, Dua Lipa, 30, has officially turned down the opportunity to appear at the fight. The BBC confirmed that while there may be a search for an alternative performer, Dua Lipa’s non-participation is notable, especially since musical acts have previously been part of similar events in Saudi Arabia. For instance, in 2024, Eminem took to the stage before Terence Crawford‘s fight against Israil Madrimov, and later in the same year, Liam Gallagher performed at a Joshua match.
Dua Lipa’s Musical Legacy
Dua Lipa is well-known for her chart-topping hits, including “Levitating,” “Don’t Start Now,” and collaborations with Elton John on “Cold Heart” and Calvin Harris on “One Kiss.” As anticipation builds for the upcoming boxing events, the absence of the pop icon’s performance is likely to be felt by fans and organizers alike.
