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 appear on the bill. Organisers are now actively scouting a new musical act to fill the void, and the search has already produced a shortlist of iconic British performers who could bring the same level of excitement to the event. Fury and Joshua, both former heavyweight world champions, have cultivated a rivalry that stretches back nearly ten years.
Their clash has been billed as an all‑British mega‑fight, a historic moment that could become the biggest night in the United Kingdom’s boxing annals. The fight is being staged by Saudi financier Turki Al‑Alshikh, who also backs the Netflix‑produced spectacle, and his original plan called for a high‑profile performance by Dua Lipa.
According to earlier reports from Sky Sports, Al‑Alshikh stipulated that the event should feature the Grammy‑winning singer, hoping her global appeal would elevate the night’s profile. However, recent developments suggest that Lipa will not accept the invitation, prompting the promoters to pivot quickly. While her absence is a disappointment for some fans, the fight itself will go ahead as scheduled, and the production team is confident they can secure a replacement that matches the star power originally envisioned.
Spencer Brown, Fury’s manager and the mastermind behind the promotion of the comeback bout at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, told Sky Sports that British fans will understand the change and remain enthusiastic. "We’re still committed to finding an iconic UK act for the show," Brown said. He listed several legendary names that could step in, including Noel Gallagher, Robbie Williams, Manic Street Preachers, Sir 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," he added.
The search for a replacement act underscores the broader ambition of the event. Promoters have described the night as a "spectacular showcase of British boxing," aiming to combine world‑class sport with a memorable musical performance.
The intention is to create a cultural moment that rivals other major sporting spectacles, where the entertainment component becomes inseparable from the athletic contest. Dua Lipa’s credentials as a live performer at major sports events are solid.
She sang during the opening ceremony of the 2018 UEFA Champions League final, demonstrating her ability to energise massive crowds. While she headlined her own Wembley concert last June, she has never performed at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, the venue that is currently being floated as a likely location for the fight. The stadium, with its 62,000‑seat capacity and state‑of‑the‑art facilities, would provide a dramatic backdrop for both the bout and any musical act that takes the stage. The fight itself is slated to occur before the end of 2026, though a precise date and venue have yet to be confirmed.
Eddie Hearn, the promoter behind Joshua’s career, has already declared the matchup "signed, sealed, and delivered," signalling that contractual agreements are in place and that the two fighters are committed to making the bout happen. In the meantime, Joshua has scheduled a comeback fight on July 25 against Kristian Prenga, a stepping‑stone that will test his readiness for the ultimate challenge against Fury. Both fighters bring storied histories to the ring. Fury first captured the heavyweight title a decade ago when he shocked the world by defeating Wladimir Klitschko, ending the latter’s long reign.
After a brief hiatus from the sport, Fury returned to reclaim the WBC title by beating Deontay Wilder in a dramatic showdown. Joshua, on the other hand, turned professional after winning Olympic gold in London 2012, quickly amassing the IBF, WBO and WBA belts and positioning himself as a leading contender for an undisputed heavyweight crown. Their paths have intersected repeatedly over the years.
After Joshua secured his first world title in 2016, Fury stepped away from boxing for a period. When Fury made his comeback, the two were poised to meet in a unification bout that could have settled the heavyweight hierarchy. Instead, Fury chose a third fight with Wilder, while Joshua suffered a defeat at the hands of Oleksandr Usyk.
Usyk later bested Fury, prompting Fury to retire once more at the start of the previous year. Fury’s recent victory over Arslanbek Makhmudov in London earlier this month has reignited speculation that the long‑awaited clash is finally within reach.
Meanwhile, Joshua has been rebuilding after a tragic accident that claimed the lives of two close friends and teammates, leaving him to recover physically and emotionally. He is now training alongside his former rival Usyk, who has publicly backed Joshua’s chances against Fury.
With the July 25 bout against Prenga serving as Joshua’s final tune‑up, the stage is set for what many analysts predict will be the most richly anticipated heavyweight contest in British history. The exact timing and location remain fluid, but the consensus among fans and pundits is that the fight will likely take place in one of the UK’s premier stadiums—either Tottenham Hotspur Stadium or Wembley—both capable of accommodating the massive audience expected for such a landmark event. In addition to the sporting drama, the music component will play a crucial role in shaping the night’s legacy.
Whether the organizers secure a classic rock legend like Noel Gallagher, a pop icon such as Robbie Williams, or a timeless performer like Sir Elton John, the chosen act will need to deliver a performance that matches the intensity and grandeur of the bout itself. The goal is to craft an unforgettable evening where the roar of the crowd for a knockout blow is complemented by the applause for a stellar musical set. Fans are encouraged to watch the promotional material using a Chrome browser for the best video experience, as the event’s media partners have optimized the player for that platform.
As the search for a replacement act continues, the boxing community remains focused on the core objective: delivering a historic, high‑stakes encounter between two of Britain’s most celebrated heavyweights. The anticipation builds daily, and the promise of an iconic night of British boxing, complete with a world‑class musical performance, appears more certain than ever.