The bout, widely described as one of the biggest potential events in modern boxing, is scheduled for late 2026 after both fighters—Joshua, 36, and Fury, 37—agreed terms for the long-awaited showdown. Organisers had been exploring ways to elevate the event beyond sport, with plans for a high-profile entertainment segment.
Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority chairman Turki Al-Sheikh had previously suggested that the fight’s broader spectacle could be impacted if a headline performer did not agree to participate. While it remains unclear whether the comment was literal or playful, it underscored the level of ambition surrounding the event’s production.
According to sources, Dua Lipa was approached to take part in the showpiece event but ultimately turned down the offer. The 30-year-old global pop star, known for hits such as New Rules, Don’t Start Now, and Levitating, will not be involved in the fight-night entertainment.
Her decision leaves a gap in organisers’ plans to blend sport and music on one of boxing’s biggest proposed stages. Fans had anticipated a major live performance to match the scale of the matchup, but those expectations now appear unlikely to materialise.
While the official venue has not been confirmed, London’s Wembley Stadium is widely believed to be the preferred location for the heavyweight showdown, should it proceed as planned.
Even without a confirmed performer, the Joshua-Fury fight continues to generate global attention, with anticipation building around what is expected to be one of the most commercially significant boxing events in years.