The much‑anticipated showdown between heavyweight titans Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua remains firmly on the calendar, even though pop star Dua Lipa is no longer expected to take the stage. Organisers have already launched a hunt for a new musical act to fill the void left by the British‑born singer, whose involvement was originally stipulated by Saudi financier Turki Alalshikh, the chief backer of the event.
Fury and Joshua, both former world champions, have cultivated a rivalry that stretches back nearly a decade. After years of speculation, the two are finally set to clash in what promoters are billing as an all‑British heavyweight megafight. The bout is being billed as the biggest night in the history of British boxing, with the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and Wembley Stadium both floated as potential venues. Sky Sports first reported that Alalshikh’s contract required a high‑profile performance from Dua Lipa, whose résumé includes headlining the opening ceremony of the 2018 UEFA Champions League final and a sold‑out show at Wembley last June.
However, sources now indicate that Lipa has declined the invitation, prompting the promotion team to look elsewhere for an "iconic UK act" to headline the entertainment segment of the evening. Fury’s manager, Spencer Brown – who oversaw the promotion of Fury’s comeback bout at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium – told Sky Sports that British fans would understand the change and that the search for a replacement would focus on homegrown legends. "We’d still like to secure an iconic UK act for the show.
Someone like Noel Gallagher, Robbie Williams, Manic Street Preachers, Elton John or even Rod Stewart – but ultimately the decision rests with Turki Alalshikh and Netflix, because without their backing none of this would be possible," Brown explained. Brown added that any of those artists would be eager to step into Lipa’s shoes and help make the night a spectacular celebration of British sport and music. "It’s going to be an iconic night of British boxing, a fantastic spectacle. Please be assured the fight will happen on what will be the biggest night and the biggest fight British boxing has ever seen," he said.
The fight itself has already been described as a historic event. While the exact date and venue have yet to be locked down, Eddie Hearn, the promoter for Joshua, has declared the bout "signed, sealed, and delivered" and confirmed that it will take place before the close of 2026. In the meantime, Joshua is set to make his official return to the ring on July 25 against Kristian Prenga, a stepping‑stone fight that will give him a chance to sharpen his skills after a tragic accident that claimed the lives of two close friends and team members.
Both fighters have storied careers. Fury burst onto the world stage a decade ago when he shocked the boxing world by defeating Wladimir Klitschko, ending the latter’s long reign as heavyweight champion. Joshua, meanwhile, turned professional after winning Olympic gold for Great Britain at the London 2012 Games and quickly rose through the ranks, capturing the unified IBF, WBO and WBA titles in 2016.
Their paths have intersected several times. After Fury stepped away from the sport for a period, he returned to reclaim the WBC heavyweight crown by beating Deontay Wilder in a dramatic showdown. Joshua, after securing his own world titles, was on the verge of a unification bout with Fury, but the fight fell through when Fury chose a third clash with Wilder and Joshua subsequently lost his titles to Oleksandr Usyk. Usyk later handed Fury a defeat, prompting Fury to announce his retirement at the start of the previous year.
Fury’s recent comeback victory over Arslanbek Makhmudov in London this month has reignited the conversation about a Fury‑Joshua clash. Joshua, still recovering from injuries sustained in the aforementioned accident, has been training under the guidance of his former rival Usyk, who has publicly backed AJ to triumph over Fury when the two finally meet.
With the July 25 fight against Prenga acting as Joshua’s final warm‑up, the stage is being set for what could become the most eagerly awaited heavyweight bout in UK history. Fans are already speculating about the atmosphere that will envelop either the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium – a venue known for its electric football crowds – or Wembley, the iconic arena that has hosted countless historic sporting moments.
Beyond the fight itself, the search for a musical replacement offers an opportunity to showcase British talent on a global platform. Whether the organizers land a classic rock legend like Noel Gallagher, a pop icon such as Robbie Williams, or a timeless performer like Elton John, the chosen act will add an extra layer of cultural significance to an already momentous night. In summary, while Dua Lipa’s absence is a disappointment for some, the core of the event – the heavyweight clash between Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua – remains intact and more compelling than ever. The promoters are committed to delivering a night that celebrates both sport and music, ensuring that the fight will be remembered not just for the punches thrown, but also for the unforgettable entertainment surrounding it.
The anticipation continues to build as fans await confirmation of the final date, venue, and the identity of the musical headliner who will help make this historic British boxing night truly legendary.