Dua Lipa Drawn into Fury vs Joshua Clash Over Venue Dispute

Turki Alalshikh has revealed the reasoning behind selecting Cardiff’s Principality Stadium for the heavyweight bout between Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua. In a surprising twist, he also claimed that pop star Dua Lipa declined to perform at the event, adding unexpected drama to the build-up.

Alalshikh's Comments on the Venue Choice

While discussing the venue decision, Alalshikh mentioned that London would not offer the stadium until 2am, which did not suit his plans. He linked this issue to Dua Lipa, suggesting she would not want to perform there because of her views on boxing or possibly due to personal reasons involving him.

“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.

So far, Dua Lipa or her team have not responded publicly to these claims.

Financial and Logistical Reasons for Wales

Alalshikh explained that hosting the fight in Britain carried potential losses estimated around $70 million (£52.8m). He emphasized his intention to keep the fight within the UK but in a location that fit both timing and financial needs better.

“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 remarked.

He added that while London couldn’t meet the scheduling demands, Wales stepped up with a suitable option.

“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.”

Support from Joshua’s Camp

Anthony Joshua's promoter, Eddie Hearn, has long pushed for the fight to take place on British soil and expressed gratitude to the local boxing community for making it happen. Speaking at the press conference, Hearn praised both fighters for their impact on British boxing.

“I'm excited,” said Hearn. “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.”

Hearn acknowledged the pressure from the British public to keep the fight local and admitted previous efforts fell short.

“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 Ready for Their Biggest Fight

With Cardiff now confirmed as the venue, attention shifts fully onto the upcoming showdown between Fury and Joshua. Meanwhile, Dua Lipa finds herself unexpectedly involved in the controversy surrounding the event’s location.