Dua Lipa Drawn Into Fury vs Joshua Fight Drama as Venue Revealed
Turki Alalshikh, a prominent figure in boxing management, disclosed the reasons behind choosing Cardiff's Principality Stadium for the heavyweight clash between Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua. He revealed that London did not meet his requirements for the event's schedule and added an unexpected detail involving pop star Dua Lipa.
Dua Lipa Refuses to Perform
Alalshikh claimed that Dua Lipa declined to perform at the fight because she reportedly dislikes boxing and perhaps holds a personal grudge against him. This statement came during his explanation of why the fight would not be held in London.
"I will be honest today, I know that London wouldn't give me the stadium until 2am, and I know that Dua Lipa will not perform in the stadium, because she doesn't like boxing, and maybe she doesn't like me," said Alalshikh.
Neither Dua Lipa nor her team have publicly responded to these claims.
Financial and Scheduling Reasons for Cardiff
Alalshikh also mentioned financial factors influencing the decision. Hosting the fight in Britain could lead to losses estimated around $70 million (£52.8m), so the timing was critical.
"Nobody questioned me about UK. I love the British people, I try to deliver everything for them. Put yourself in my shoes; there's a situation to lose $70million (£52.8m); the best is to have it in a good time zone," he explained.
He pointed out that Wales offered a venue that met his scheduling demands, unlike London.
"I have two reasons, and I know London won't deliver it; they won't give me the stadium until 2am... Wales delivered it; it's still the UK, the town of Ryan Giggs, let's do it."
British Boxing Community Welcomes the Decision
Anthony Joshua's promoter, Eddie Hearn, praised the local boxing scene and expressed enthusiasm for hosting the fight in Britain.
"I'm excited," Hearn said. "Turki, I know we've fallen out, but I promise you this'll be the greatest night you've ever had in boxing."
"On a serious note, when we talked about this fight, you envisaged it for British boxing. This guy (Joshua) has changed boxing in this country. So has Tyson Fury. We are the envy of the boxing world."
"We can't stage it anywhere else. Thank you to the British public for putting the pressure on. We couldn't do it, we failed."
Fury and Joshua Prepare for the Big Night
With Cardiff now set as the battleground, both fighters can focus on the showdown, while Dua Lipa unexpectedly finds herself entangled in the pre-fight controversy.
- Fight Location: Principality Stadium, Cardiff
- Venue Alternatives Considered: Madison Square Garden, Wembley
- Financial Loss Avoidance: Approximate $70 million (£52.8m) saved by scheduling
- London Stadium Availability: Not available until 2am
- Dua Lipa's Alleged Position: Declined performance due to dislike of boxing
