Turki Alalshikh’s weird demand for Fury vs. Joshua fight

April 29, 2026 Aksel Kryhlmand

The long-anticipated heavyweight clash between Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua, a bout over a decade in the making, now faces an unexpected and rather unique potential stumbling block: pop superstar Dua Lipa.

Saudi boxing supremo Turki Alalshikh, a key figure in orchestrating major fights, has reportedly made the Grammy-winning singer's performance a condition for the highly anticipated showdown to proceed. The British heavyweights are said to have signed a two-fight deal, with the first encounter rumored for November at Wembley Stadium.

A decade in the making, now a pop star's call

The prospect of Fury and Joshua finally sharing a ring has tantalized boxing fans for years, with a history of failed negotiations and public discourse. This latest development adds an intriguing twist to what many believe is the closest the pair have ever been to facing each other.

However, the involvement of Alalshikh, who co-founded Zuffa Boxing with UFC CEO Dana White, brings with it a flair for spectacle. According to Sky Sports' Andy Scott, quoted by GiveMeSport, Alalshikh's demand for Dua Lipa to perform is a non-negotiable item on his checklist.

"There are a number of stumbling blocks," Scott stated. "I don't know if they are pulling my leg, but Turki has stipulated that Dua Lipa must perform at the fight. This is one of the things that has to be ticked off the list."

Alalshikh is known for his willingness to invest significantly to bring A-list entertainment to his events. In 2024, for instance, Liam Gallagher delivered a three-song set before Daniel Dubois' knockout victory over Anthony Joshua in the fifth round. Securing an artist of Dua Lipa's stature, a three-time Grammy Award winner, would undoubtedly come with a multi-million-dollar price tag.

Dua Lipa's sporting pedigree

While the demand might seem unusual for a boxing match, Dua Lipa is no stranger to major sporting stages. She famously headlined the pre-match ceremony at the 2018 Champions League final between Liverpool and Real Madrid, showcasing her ability to command a global audience at high-profile events.

The singer also has a personal connection to the sport, having previously expressed her enjoyment of boxing for fitness and mental clarity. In an interview with Most Requested Live, Dua Lipa shared, "I love boxing in my spare time. I like doing it for fitness. I do it just to kind of clear my mind. I really enjoy it and I like to watch boxing as well."

As Anthony Joshua prepares for a scheduled July return fight against Albanian boxer Kristian Prenga, the focus remains on the potential Fury clash. Yet, the path to that mega-fight now seemingly runs through the booking agent of one of the world's biggest pop stars, adding an unprecedented layer of complexity to boxing's most anticipated heavyweight encounter.

Sources: www.givemesport.com