Turki Alalshikh Offers Bizarre Explanation for Dua Lipa'a Joshua-Fury Absence

Live musical performances have become a familiar spectacle at high-profile boxing events. From Justin Bieber headlining Jake Paul vs. Ben Askren to Eminem accompanying Terence Crawford, the theatrics have become an indistinguishable part of boxing pop culture. 

However, the December 11 Anthony Joshua vs. Tyson Fury showdown failed to secure a set from Dua Lipa. Saudi financier Turki Alalshikh has now offered a surprising explanation for her absence.

Turki Alalshikh Claims Dua Lipa has Issues with Arabs

At the Tyson Fury vs. Anthony Joshua launch press conference on Wednesday (Sept. 30), the Zuffa Boxing co-founder speculated about the rejection that came in May, as reported by the BBC. The claim felt absurdly pointed. 

"I know that Dua Lipa will not perform in the stadium because she doesn’t like boxing, and maybe she doesn’t like me... I think she has something with the Arab. And, you know, it is my blood. I cannot change it,” Alalshikh remarked.

Turki Alalshikh says Dua Lipa won't perform at the Tyson Fury vs Anthony Joshua fight because she doesn't like Arabs 😭

"I know Dua Lipa will not perform because she doesn't like boxing, and maybe she doesn't like me also. I think she has something with the Arabs. It is my… pic.twitter.com/mqAKJzwt90

— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) September 30, 2026

The British pop star, however, hasn't provided an official statement on her rejection yet, making Alalshikh's claim nothing more than a personal opinion. However, with Lipa's absence confirmed, the promoters aren't quite short of alternatives.

"Iconic UK Act" Expected to Headline at Joshua vs. Fury

Right after Dua Lipa turned down the offer, Tyson Fury's manager, Spencer Brown, confirmed the fight will still be a major British boxing night. Brown floated some other names to replace the Billboard Hot 100 singer for the musical lineup. 

"We'd still like to pursue an iconic UK act on the show. Someone like Noel Gallagher, Robbie Williams, Manic Street Preachers, Elton John or even Rod Stewart - but that's entirely up to Turki Alalshikh and Netflix because without them none of this would be possible," Brown quipped.

However, while Lipa may not be in the lineup, the bout prevented a massive letdown. Turki Alalshikh scheduled the fight for Cardiff's Principality Stadium instead of a proposed New York site, despite allegedly losing $70 million in revenue.

The venue not being in London because of its strict 11 pm curfew will disappoint some. However, having a Fury vs. Joshua matchup set in stone after decades of obstacles that derailed the bout one way or another surely deserves credit.