The much‑anticipated showdown between Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua remains on the calendar, even though the pop superstar Dua Lipa is no longer expected to take the stage. Organisers are now scouring the music world for a new act that can match the star power of the original request. Fury and Joshua, both former heavyweight champions, have cultivated a rivalry that stretches back nearly a decade. After years of speculation, the two British icons are finally slated to clash in what promoters are billing as an all‑British mega‑event.
The bout has been billed as the biggest heavyweight fight in the United Kingdom’s recent history, with venues such as the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and Wembley Stadium being floated as possible hosts. Initial reports from Sky Sports revealed that the fight’s principal backer, Saudi businessman Turki Al‑Alshikh, had stipulated that a high‑profile musical performance be part of the entertainment package, specifically naming Dua Lipa as his preferred choice. The singer, who has previously performed at major sporting spectacles—including the opening ceremony of the 2018 UEFA Champions League final—was seen as a perfect fit for the global audience the fight is expected to attract. However, recent developments indicate that Lipa will not be joining the event.
While the exact reasons for her withdrawal have not been disclosed, her absence does not appear to jeopardise the fight itself. Fury’s manager, Spencer Brown, who helped organise the bout’s promotion at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, told Sky Sports that British fans will quickly move on and that the search for a replacement act is already underway. “We still want an iconic UK act to headline the show,” Brown said. “Names that come to mind include Noel Gallagher, Robbie Williams, the Manic Street Preachers, Elton John or even Rod Stewart.
Ultimately, the decision rests with Turki Al‑Alshikh and Netflix, because without their backing none of this would be possible.” Brown added that any of those legendary performers would likely welcome the opportunity to step into Lipa’s shoes, turning the night into a celebration of British sport and music. He emphasized that the event will be a “spectacular, iconic night of British boxing” and urged fans to anticipate the biggest night in British boxing history. The fight itself has already been confirmed for some time before the close of 2026, though the exact date and venue remain to be finalised. Eddie Hearn, the promoter behind Joshua’s career, has repeatedly assured the public that the bout is "signed, sealed and delivered." In the meantime, Joshua is set to make his official return to the ring on 25 July, when he faces Kristian Prenga in a tune‑up fight that will serve as his final preparation before the Fury clash.
Both fighters have storied careers. Fury burst onto the heavyweight scene a decade ago when he shocked the world by defeating Wladimir Klitschko, ending the latter’s long reign. After a brief hiatus, Fury returned to reclaim the WBC title by beating Deontay Wilder in a dramatic showdown.
Joshua, on the other hand, turned professional after capturing Olympic gold in London 2012, quickly climbing the ranks to claim the unified IBF, WBO and WBA titles. Their paths have intersected repeatedly, with talks of an undisputed heavyweight showdown surfacing many times over the years.
The journey has not been without setbacks. When Joshua secured his first world title in 2016, Fury was temporarily out of the sport. Fury later returned, only to lose to Oleksandr Usyk after a series of fights with Wilder. Joshua, meanwhile, suffered a defeat at the hands of Usyk, and later endured a personal tragedy when a car accident claimed the lives of two close friends and team members, forcing him into a period of recovery and reflection.
Despite those challenges, both fighters have shown resilience. Earlier this month, Fury returned to the ring in London, delivering a convincing victory over Arslanbek Makhmudov. Joshua, meanwhile, has been rebuilding his camp, even training alongside his former rival Usyk, who has publicly backed AJ to triumph over Fury.
With the July 25 tune‑up against Prenga looming, the stage is being set for what many analysts predict will be the most highly anticipated heavyweight bout the UK has ever witnessed. While the precise date and stadium are still under discussion, the excitement surrounding a British‑versus‑British heavyweight clash is palpable across the nation. Fans can look forward to a night that blends world‑class boxing with top‑tier musical entertainment, even if the original pop star has stepped aside. The search for a replacement act underscores the event’s ambition to become a cultural milestone, marrying sport and music in a way that only a few historic events have managed before.
As the promotional machinery continues to turn, the anticipation only grows, promising a memorable night that will be talked about for years to come.