Dua Lipa declines offer to perform at Fury v Joshua

Pop star Dua Lipa is not expected to perform at the heavyweight bout between Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury later this year.

Britons Joshua, 36, and Fury, 37, have agreed terms for a long-awaited all-British contest targeted for the end of 2026.

However, Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority chairman Turki Al-Sheikh had suggested the fight could be jeopardised if Dua Lipa did not agree to perform as part of the event’s promotion.

It is unclear whether the remark was made in earnest or in jest, but BBC Sport understands the 30-year-old singer was approached about performing but declined the offer, and is not expected to be involved in the event.

Dua Lipa is one of the world’s most successful pop artists, with global hits including New Rules, Don’t Start Now and Levitating’.

A venue for Fury v Joshua has yet to be finalised, although Wembley Stadium in October is understood to be the preferred option for organisers.

Musical acts at high-profile boxing events have become a popular feature in recent years.

Rapper Eminem accompanied Terence Crawford to the ring for his welterweight championship fight against Errol Spence Jr. Oasis frontman Liam Gallagher performed several songs before Daniel Dubois’ win over Anthony Joshua at Wembley in 2024. And last year, 50 Cent performed during Chris Eubank Jr’s ringwalk for his rematch with Conor Benn.

Before any bout with Fury can take place, former unified champion Joshua must first come through his scheduled fight against Kristian Prenga on 25 July in Saudi Arabia.

Fury made his comeback from retirement with a win over Arslanbek Makhmudov last month, but is exploring taking another bout as he waits for Joshua.

Queensberry promoter Frank Warren, who guides Fury, said a loss for Joshua in July would likely scupper a fight with the Gypsy King.

Joshua and Fury have long been linked with a fight, but several attempts to get them in the ring together over the past 10 years failed.

Should the fight go ahead as planned, both men are expected to earn a career-high payday.