Boxing financier Turki Alalshikh has alleged that pop star Dua Lipa declined to perform at the upcoming Tyson Fury versus Anthony Joshua heavyweight bout. During a recent press conference, Alalshikh suggested the singer's refusal and logistical issues in London influenced the decision to move the event to Wales.
The $70 million risk and the move to Cardiff's Principality Stadium
The heavyweight clash between Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua will take place at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff, Wales. As reported by the source, this decision follows failed attempts to secure venues like New York's Madison Square Garden or Wembley in London.
Turki Alalshikh, the financier behind the fight, highlighted the massive financial stakes involved in the event. He noted a potential loss of $70 million (£52.8m) if the timing and logistics were not handled correctly. Alalshikh explained that London's inability to provide a stadium until 2 AM made Cardiff a more viable option,even jokingly referring to Wales as the "town of Ryan Giggs" to seal the deal.
Alalshikh's claims regarding Dua Lipa's refusal to perform
Turki Alalshikh used the launch press conference to suggest that pop star Dua Lipa would not perform at the event.. He claimed the singer's refusal was due to her personal dislike of boxing or perhaps a personal issue with him, adding that "maybe she doesn't like me."
The report mentions that Dua Lipa's representatives have been approached by Daily Mail Sport for comment regarding these allegations. this claim was made during a press conference where the two most iconic British boxers of the last two decades faced off for the first time since the fight was announced. The sudden nature of these claims has turned a major sporting announcement into a moment of personal controversy.
Eddie Hearn and the pressure to keep the fight in the UK
Matchroom promoter Eddie Hearn expressed his excitement about the fight being held on British soil during the event at the British Airways ARC.. Hearn credited the British boxing community for applying the necessary pressure to ensure the bout remained in the UK rather than moving to the United States.
Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua represent the pinnacle of British heavyweight boxing over the last two decades. Hearn emphasized that the presence of these two fighters makes the UK the envy of the global boxing world, noting that the fight is a significant moment for the domestic sport. He also acknowledged the tension between himself and Alalshikh, promising that the event would be the "greatest night" in boxing.
Did Dua Lipa actually decline the performance?
Several questions remain regarding the truth of Alalshikh's statements about Dua Lipa. It is currently unclear whether the singer was ever formally offered a performance contract or if her absence is purely a matter of scheduling.
The current reporting only presents Turki Alalshikh's perspective, leaving Dua Lipa's actual stance unverified. Without a response from the singer's camp, the claim that her personal preferences dictated the venue choice remains an unproven allegation from a single party.
Comments 0