Dua Lipa Declines Performance at Fury-Joshua Fight, Saudi Official Threatened to Pull Event
Saudi entertainment authority chairman suggested bout could be jeopardized if pop star didn't agree to perform
Quick Look
- British heavyweight boxers Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury have agreed terms for a long-awaited all-British contest targeted for late 2026.
- Pop star Dua Lipa was approached about performing at the event but declined, and is not expected to be involved.
- Saudi Arabia's General Entertainment Authority chairman Turki Al-Sheikh had suggested the fight could be jeopardized if Lipa did not agree to perform, though it remains unclear whether the remark was serious.
AI-generated summary
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.
