Elton John Among Potential Replacements for Dua Lipa at Fury-Joshua Mega-Fight

Key facts

• Dua Lipa is not expected to perform at the Tyson Fury vs Anthony Joshua fight.
• Event organisers will search for an 'iconic UK act' to replace her.
• Saudi financier Turki Alalshikh is staging the fight and had stipulated Dua Lipa's performance.
• Fury's manager Spencer Brown suggested Elton John, Noel Gallagher, Robbie Williams, Manic Street Preachers, or Rod Stewart as replacements.
• The fight will proceed regardless of the performer.
• Fury and Joshua are former heavyweight world champions with a long-running rivalry.
• The event is being staged by Turki Alalshikh and broadcast on Netflix.

Dua Lipa Declines, but Mega-Fight Remains on Track

Dua Lipa will not perform at the long-awaited heavyweight clash between Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua, organisers have confirmed. The all-British mega-fight, however, will go ahead as planned, with a search now underway for a replacement act. Saudi financier Turki Alalshikh, who is staging the event, had made Dua Lipa's performance a condition of the deal. But despite the singer's refusal, the fight will not be derailed.

Organisers Seek 'Iconic UK Act' to Headline

Event organisers will now look for an 'iconic UK act' to feature on the show. Spencer Brown, Fury's manager who promoted his comeback fight at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, told Sky Sports: 'I'm sure that British fans will get over it. We'd still like to pursue an iconic UK act on the show.' Brown suggested potential candidates including Noel Gallagher, Robbie Williams, Manic Street Preachers, Elton John, and Rod Stewart. He added that the final decision rests with Turki Alalshikh and Netflix, stating 'without them none of this would be possible.'

Turki Alalshikh and Netflix Hold the Keys

The fight is being staged by Saudi financier Turki Alalshikh, who has been instrumental in bringing the long-anticipated bout to fruition. Netflix is also involved as a broadcast partner, with Brown emphasising their role in making the event possible. Alalshikh had initially stipulated Dua Lipa's performance as part of the deal, but her absence has not threatened the fight's viability. The search for a replacement underscores the high-profile nature of the event, which aims to draw a global audience.

Fury-Joshua: A Rivalry Years in the Making

Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua are former heavyweight world champions whose rivalry has captivated British boxing fans for years. The two have long been expected to meet, and this all-British mega-fight is finally set to take place. Fury may also take a warm-up bout before facing Joshua, according to reports. The fight is expected to be one of the biggest in boxing history, with significant financial and sporting stakes.

What Comes Next for the Mega-Event

With Dua Lipa out, organisers will now focus on securing an iconic UK act to headline the show. The choice of performer could further elevate the event's profile, drawing in music fans alongside boxing enthusiasts. Brown's comments suggest that the decision will be made collaboratively between Alalshikh and Netflix. The fight itself remains on schedule, with no indications of delays or cancellations.

A Showdown That Transcends Sport

The Fury-Joshua fight is more than a boxing match; it is a cultural event that blends sport, entertainment, and celebrity. The inclusion of a major musical act highlights the growing trend of mega-fights being packaged as spectacles. For British fans, the absence of Dua Lipa may be a disappointment, but the prospect of an alternative iconic act — from Elton John to Rod Stewart — ensures the event retains its star power. The final lineup will likely be announced in the coming weeks.

The bottom line

• Dua Lipa will not perform at the Fury-Joshua fight, but the event will proceed.
• Organisers are seeking an iconic UK act, with Elton John among the names suggested.
• Saudi financier Turki Alalshikh and Netflix are key decision-makers for the event.
• Fury and Joshua are former heavyweight champions with a long-running rivalry.
• The fight is expected to be one of the biggest in boxing history.
• A replacement performer will be chosen to maintain the event's high profile.