The highly anticipated showdown between heavyweight titans Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua remains on the calendar, even though pop superstar Dua Lipa is no longer expected to take the stage at the event. The two former world champions have cultivated a rivalry that stretches back years, and the prospect of an all‑British clash has captured the imagination of fans across the UK and beyond.
While the original plan called for the Grammy‑winning singer to perform, the promoters have now shifted focus to finding a suitable replacement that will still give the night a memorable musical backdrop. Sky Sports previously reported that Saudi financier Turki Al‑Alshikh, the chief backer of the bout, had stipulated that a high‑profile act like Dua Lipa be part of the entertainment package. Although negotiations with the artist have apparently stalled, the fight itself will not be jeopardised. Organisers have confirmed that they will continue the hunt for "an iconic UK act" to headline the pre‑fight show, ensuring that the spectacle retains its cultural weight as well as its sporting significance.
Fury’s manager, Spencer Brown, who oversaw the promotion of Fury’s comeback bout at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, told Sky Sports that British fans will quickly move past the disappointment. "We still want to secure an iconic British act for the evening," Brown said. He floated a shortlist that included legends such as Noel Gallagher, Robbie Williams, the Manic Street Preachers, Sir Elton John and even Rod Stewart.
Ultimately, the final decision rests with Al‑Alshikh and the streaming partner Netflix, without whose support the entire venture would not be possible. The fight, billed as the biggest night in the history of British boxing, is expected to be a massive spectacle, with the promoters promising an "iconic" atmosphere regardless of which musical star ultimately steps onto the stage. "One of these artists will love to fill the gap left by Dua Lipa," Brown added.
"It will be a night that showcases the very best of British sport and entertainment." Dua Lipa, an internationally acclaimed singer, has previously performed at major sporting events, most notably the opening ceremony of the 2018 UEFA Champions League final. Her involvement would have added a further layer of star power to an already high‑profile event. While she headlined her own concert at Wembley last June, she has never performed at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, the venue that is being strongly considered for the fight.
The decision to locate the bout at either Tottenham or Wembley reflects the ambition to stage the event in a venue capable of holding tens of thousands of spectators and delivering a world‑class experience. The timing of the fight has also been clarified. This week, promoters announced that Fury versus Joshua will take place before the close of 2026.
Although the exact date and arena have yet to be confirmed, Eddie Hearn, the promoter behind Joshua’s camp, declared the match "signed, sealed and delivered." In the meantime, Joshua is set to return to the ring on July 25 against Kristian Prenga, a bout that will serve as a final tune‑up before the heavyweight showdown. Both fighters have storied careers that intertwine in fascinating ways. Fury first burst onto the heavyweight scene a decade ago when he shocked the world by defeating Wladimir Klitschko, ending the Ukrainian’s long reign. Joshua, meanwhile, turned professional after capturing Olympic gold in London 2012, quickly climbing the ranks and claiming multiple world titles.
By the time Joshua secured his first world championship belt in 2016, Fury had temporarily stepped away from boxing, only to return later and capture the WBC title from Deontay Wilder. The two men have flirted with the idea of an undisputed heavyweight clash for years. A potential unification bout fell through when Fury elected to pursue a third fight with Wilder, while Joshua suffered a loss to Oleksandr Usyk, the Ukrainian who later also defeated Fury before the latter retired for a second time at the start of last year.
Fury’s most recent victory came earlier this month when he stopped Arslanbek Makhmudov in London, reaffirming his status as a top contender. Joshua, on the other hand, has been rebuilding after a tragic accident that claimed the lives of two close friends and teammates, leaving him physically and emotionally scarred. He is currently training alongside his former rival Usyk, who has publicly backed AJ to overcome Fury in their eventual meeting.
With the July 25 bout against Prenga serving as Joshua’s last hurdle before the mega‑fight, the stage is being set for what many analysts believe will be the most eagerly awaited heavyweight contest in British boxing history. While the precise venue—whether Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, Wembley, or another iconic arena—has yet to be locked in, the anticipation is already at fever pitch. In summary, the Fury‑Joshua clash remains firmly on the agenda despite the setback regarding Dua Lipa’s performance.
The promoters are actively scouting for a replacement musical act that will resonate with British audiences and complement the grandeur of the fight. Fans can look forward to a night that blends world‑class boxing with top‑tier entertainment, cementing the event as a landmark moment in the sport’s UK legacy.