Dua Lipa Declines Opportunity to Perform at High-Profile Boxing Match
Dua Lipa, the internationally acclaimed British pop star, has reportedly turned down an invitation to perform at a highly anticipated boxing match between two of the sport’s most prominent figures, Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua. This development comes as the boxing world gears up for what promises to be a historic event.
The Upcoming Fight Between Fury and Joshua
The fight between Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua has been in the works for years, with both boxers finally signing a contract to face each other. While the exact date and location of the bout have not yet been confirmed, it is expected to take place later this year. However, before the main event, Joshua is set to compete against Kristian Prenga in Saudi Arabia on 25 July. This will serve as a warm-up match for the British heavyweight champion ahead of his showdown with Fury, which is likely to be held in the UK this autumn. There are even rumors that the fight could take place at Wembley Stadium, and it may be streamed on Netflix.
Fury’s Desire for a Warm-Up Bout
Despite having fought just three weeks ago, where he easily defeated Arslanbek Makhmudov at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, Fury is still looking for a warm-up bout. This decision highlights his cautious approach to the upcoming challenge against Joshua, ensuring he is in peak condition for the main event.
Dua Lipa’s Potential Involvement
Another significant development in the lead-up to the fight involves Saudi matchmaker Turki Alalshikh, who has expressed a strong interest in having Dua Lipa perform at the Joshua vs Fury event. According to reports from Sky Sports, Alalshikh allegedly threatened to cancel the fight if the singer did not participate. However, it remains unclear whether these claims were made seriously or as a form of light-hearted banter.
Dua Lipa’s Decision to Decline
Regardless of the circumstances, the BBC has now confirmed that Dua Lipa was approached to be part of the event but chose to decline. This decision has left organizers searching for a replacement act to add entertainment value to the occasion. It is worth noting that this will not be the first time a musical act has performed at a fight with Saudi involvement. For example, Eminem performed before Terence Crawford’s victory over Israil Madrimov in 2024, and later that year, Liam Gallagher of Oasis took the stage before Joshua’s loss to Daniel Dubois.
Dua Lipa’s Musical Legacy
Dua Lipa, who is 30 years old, has built a successful career with a string of hit songs, including “Levitating,” “Don’t Start Now,” “Dance The Night,” “Houdini,” and “Training Season.” She has also collaborated with notable artists such as Elton John on the track “Cold Heart” and with Calvin Harris on the popular song “One Kiss.”
