Dua Lipa turned down an opportunity to carry out on the Tyson Fury-Anthony Joshua heavyweight combat set for later this 12 months. Turki Al-Sheikh, the Saudi promoter behind many large boxing playing cards, had floated the concept that her set was key to the occasion going forward in London. Reviews say she obtained the provide however handed on it.
Dua Lipa Says No to Headline Tyson Fury vs. Anthony Joshua, Battle’s Destiny Unsure
The backstory begins with Fury and Joshua, each British heavyweights, signing phrases for his or her matchup after years of discuss. Joshua, 36, takes on Kristian Prenga in Saudi Arabia on July 25 earlier than dealing with Fury within the fall, seemingly October at Wembley Stadium. Fury, 37, simply beat Arslanbek Makhmudov three weeks again at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and eyes a tune-up bout too. Al-Sheikh, chairman of Saudi Arabia’s Basic Leisure Authority, pushed for Dua Lipa to sing on the Wembley present.
In keeping with Andy Scott, Al-Sheikh listed her efficiency as a must have, possibly as a joke. iFL TV posted on Instagram: “NO DUA LIPA, NO FURY VS AJ IN LONDON,” claiming Al-Sheikh informed Netflix the London spot hinged on her. BBC Sport confirmed the method occurred, however the 30-year-old singer, a three-time Grammy winner, stated no.
Dua Lipa constructed her identify with tracks like “New Guidelines,” “Don’t Begin Now,” “Levitating,” “Dance The Evening,” “Houdini,” and “Coaching Season.” She teamed with Elton John on “Chilly Coronary heart” and Calvin Harris for “One Kiss.” Her Radical Optimism album dropped in Might 2024, adopted by Glastonbury headline slot and sold-out Wembley dates in June 2025. No 2026 Wembley gigs present up on her tour lists but.
Saudi occasions typically pair fights with music acts. Eminem performed earlier than Terence Crawford topped Israil Madrimov in 2024, and Liam Gallagher went on earlier than Joshua’s loss to Daniel Dubois that 12 months. Promoters depend on stars to attract crowds past the ring.
The combat deal seemingly holds agency regardless of the pop star snag. Organizers eye Wembley for October, although no ultimate lock-in on date or spot. Al-Sheikh’s remark stirred buzz, however sources name it half-serious at most. Joshua preps for Prenga in Riyadh; Fury kinds his subsequent step. Followers look forward to the all-British conflict, music or not.
