The much‑anticipated showdown between heavyweight champions Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua is still slated to happen, even though pop superstar Dua Lipa is unlikely to take the stage. Organisers have already started looking for a suitable replacement, and the search is now focused on finding an "iconic UK act" that can match the scale of the event. Fury and Joshua, both former world champions, have shared a long‑running rivalry that has captivated British boxing fans for years.
After countless weeks of speculation, the two are finally set to clash in what promoters are billing as an all‑British mega‑fight. The bout is being organized by Saudi financier Turki Alalshikh, who has been instrumental in securing the venue and financing the event.
Early reports from Sky Sports indicated that Alalshikh had specifically requested Dua Lipa to perform at the fight night, hoping her global appeal would add extra sparkle to the spectacle. However, recent developments suggest that the singer will not be able to accept the invitation. Despite her previous experience performing at major sporting occasions – such as the opening ceremony of the 2018 UEFA Champions League final – her schedule and other commitments appear to prevent her from appearing at the upcoming fight. This setback has not derailed the overall plan.
Fury’s manager Spencer Brown, who also promoted the fighter’s comeback bout at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, told Sky Sports that British fans would quickly move past the disappointment and that the promoters would still secure a high‑profile musical act. "We still want to feature an iconic UK act on the show," Brown said. "Someone like Noel Gallagher, Robbie Williams, the Manic Street Preachers, Sir Elton John or even Rod Stewart would be fantastic. Ultimately, the decision rests with Turki Alalshikh and our broadcast partner Netflix, because without their backing none of this would be possible." The search for a replacement is already generating buzz.
Fans have taken to social media to suggest a wide range of home‑grown talent, from classic rock legends to contemporary pop icons. The goal is to create a night that feels distinctly British, both in terms of the boxing and the entertainment.
Brown added that the chosen artist would "take her place" and help deliver "an iconic night of British boxing, a fantastic spectacle" that could be remembered as the biggest night in the sport’s UK history. The fight itself is being billed as the biggest heavyweight contest the country has ever seen. While the exact date and venue have yet to be confirmed, the event is expected to take place before the end of 2026, with Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and Wembley Stadium both mentioned as possible locations.
Promoter Eddie Hearn has already declared the bout "signed, sealed, and delivered," signalling that contractual details are largely settled. In the meantime, Joshua has announced his official return to the ring on July 25, when he will face Kristian Prenga.
This fight serves as a stepping‑stone for the British champion, who is eager to get back into top form after a tragic accident that claimed the lives of two close friends and team members. Joshua has been training alongside his former rival Oleksandr Usyk, who publicly backs him to defeat Fury. Both fighters have storied careers. Fury first captured a heavyweight world title a decade ago by upsetting Wladimir Klitschko, while Joshua turned professional after winning Olympic gold at the 2012 London Games and quickly rose through the ranks.
By the time Joshua secured his first world title in 2016, Fury had temporarily stepped away from boxing. Fury later returned to claim the WBC title from Deontay Wilder, and Joshua held the unified IBF, WBO and WBA belts, setting the stage for a potential undisputed showdown. That showdown was postponed when Fury chose a third fight with Wilder, and Joshua suffered a defeat at the hands of Oleksandr Usyk. Usyk also bested Fury in a later bout, prompting Fury to retire again at the start of the previous year.
Nevertheless, Fury made a comeback earlier this month, defeating Arslanbek Makhmudov in London, which reignited the anticipation for a clash with Joshua. As the two camps inch closer to finalising the details, several hurdles remain.
Joshua must first complete his bout with Prenga and recover fully from the injuries sustained in the tragic accident. Meanwhile, negotiations over the exact date, venue, and broadcast arrangements continue. The partnership with Netflix, which will stream the event globally, adds another layer of complexity but also ensures a massive international audience. The musical component of the night remains a key selling point.
While Dua Lipa’s absence is a disappointment for some, the broader aim is to showcase British talent and culture alongside the sport. Whether the organizers ultimately secure a legendary rock star like Rod Stewart or a contemporary pop act, the performance is expected to complement the high‑octane energy of a heavyweight title fight.
In summary, the Fury‑Joshua fight is still on schedule, with promoters actively seeking a new musical headliner to replace Dua Lipa. The event promises to be a historic moment for British boxing, potentially drawing millions of viewers worldwide.
As the calendar fills in and the final lineup of performers is announced, fans can look forward to a night that blends sport, music, and national pride into an unforgettable spectacle.