The British pair are due to meet in the final quarter of 2026, with 'AJ' first set to take a tune-up against Kristian Prenga in July.

With no date or venue locked in yet, there still appears to be plenty up in the air as both men and their teams near a final deal.

Yet in a remarkable twist, reports suggest that a Fury-Joshua bout will only take place if Grammy-winning popstar Lipa performs too.

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So just how has the Houdini singer come to be involved? And could her absence see the plug pulled on a bout between the two?

Who is Dua Lipa?

Dua Lipa is a London-born singer-songwriter who shot to prominence in the United Kingdom with her self-titled debut album in 2017.

Worldwide success followed with subsequent albums Future Nostalgia and Radical Optimism, each spawning a string of hit singles.

A four-time chart-topper in her native country, Lipa reached a new peak when she headlined Glastonbury's Pyramid Stage in 2024.

Since winding up a 2025 world tour, the star has kept a low profile as she prepares for her reported wedding to actor Callum Turner.

Her fourth album is expected to follow, possibly in 2027, with rumours that she may headline next year's Coachella Festival too.

Why is Dua Lipa involved in Fury-Joshua?

The specifics of Lipa's involvement in any Fury-Joshua bout are unknown, but reportedly hinge on His Excellency Turki Alalshikh.

Per Sky Sports News, the Saudi Arabian powerbroker has specifically requested that the star peform at the event before the main bout.

There is a precedent for such mini-gigs. Oasis frontman Liam Gallagher sang at Wembley Stadium before Joshua's loss to Daniel Dubois.

Mark Robinson/Getty Images

At the same time, there is no suggestion that Lipa may be involved with the fight - which could, bizarrely, prove to be a stumbling block.

Whether the plug would be pulled on any bout over such a matter remains to be seen, but it nevertheless remains a fascinating twist in the tale.

Benavidez vs. Zurdo on DAZN PPV

Watch David Benavidez versus Gilberto 'Zurdo' Ramirez on DAZN PPV this Saturday, May 2. Buy as a one-off PPV or get it included with the DAZN Ultimate Tier subscription, which also includes the Wardley vs. Dubois (May 9), Usyk vs. Verhoeven (May 23), Fury vs. Hall (June 13) and Zayas vs. Ennis (June 27) PPVs without any extra one-off costs.

For pricing, more information, and to sign up to watch, click here