Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua are still slated to clash in what promises to be a historic British heavyweight showdown, even though pop star Dua Lipa is no longer expected to appear. The two former world champions have long been linked by a fierce rivalry, and the much‑anticipated all‑British bout is finally moving forward. Initial reports from Sky Sports indicated that Saudi businessman Turki Al‑Alshikh, the principal backer of the event, had stipulated that a performance by Dua Lipa was a condition of his involvement. While the singer’s management has not confirmed her participation, the promoters have made it clear that the fight will not be derailed.
Instead, they are now hunting for another "iconic UK act" to headline the entertainment segment of the night. Spencer Brown, Fury’s manager who oversaw the promotion of his comeback fight at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, told Sky Sports that British fans will quickly adapt to the change. \"We still want a truly British act on the card – someone of the calibre of Noel Gallagher, Robbie Williams, the Manic Street Preachers, Elton John or even Rod Stewart – but the final decision rests with Turki Al‑Alshikh and Netflix, without whose support none of this would be possible,\" he said.
\"I’m confident one of those legends will step in and make the night unforgettable. This will be a landmark event for British boxing, a spectacular showcase.\" The search for a replacement performer underscores how the fight has evolved into a cultural moment far beyond the sport itself. Dua Lipa, who previously performed at the 2018 UEFA Champions League final, was a natural choice given her global profile and recent Wembley headline show.
However, she has never taken the stage at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, the venue that has been floated as a possible site alongside Wembley. The bout itself has been billed as the biggest fight in the history of British boxing. While a definitive date and location have yet to be announced, the promoters have confirmed that the contest will take place before the end of 2026.
Eddie Hearn, who represents Joshua, has repeatedly described the matchup as \"signed, sealed and delivered.\" In the meantime, Joshua is set to return to the ring on July 25 against Kristian Prenga, a fight that will serve as his final tune‑up before the Fury clash. Both fighters have spent nearly a decade circling each other. Fury burst onto the heavyweight scene a decade ago when he shocked the world by defeating Wladimir Klitschko, while Joshua turned professional after winning Olympic gold in London 2012 and quickly rose through the ranks.
When Joshua captured his first world title in 2016, Fury had temporarily stepped away from boxing. Fury later returned, beating Deontay Wilder to claim the WBC title, while Joshua held the unified IBF, WBO and WBA belts and was on the verge of an undisputed heavyweight showdown. That fight never materialised; Fury opted for a third bout with Wilder, and Joshua suffered a defeat at the hands of Oleksandr Usyk, who later also bested Fury before the latter retired early last year.
Fury’s most recent victory came earlier this month when he stopped Arslanbek Makhmudov in London, reigniting speculation that the long‑awaited duel with Joshua was finally imminent. Joshua, meanwhile, has been rebuilding after a tragic accident that claimed the lives of two close friends and team members, leaving him to recover from injuries and emotional trauma. He is now training alongside his former rival Usyk, who has publicly backed AJ to overcome Fury. With the Prenga fight on July 25 serving as Joshua’s last hurdle, the stage is set for what many anticipate will be the most richly anticipated heavyweight contest the United Kingdom has ever witnessed.
Though the exact stadium and night remain unconfirmed, the buzz surrounding a possible Tottenham Hotspur Stadium or Wembley showdown is palpable. The promoters have also emphasized the importance of a strong entertainment component to complement the sporting spectacle.
In addition to the search for a new musical headliner, they have hinted at a broader programme featuring British cultural icons, ensuring the event appeals to both boxing aficionados and a wider audience. In summary, while Dua Lipa’s involvement appears unlikely, the Fury‑Joshua fight remains firmly on track. Organisers are actively seeking a replacement act that will match the star power originally envisioned, and the two fighters are progressing toward a clash that could define a generation of British boxing. Fans can expect a night of high drama, world‑class performances, and a historic moment that will be remembered long after the final bell rings.