Why Fury vs Joshua Is in Cardiff and Dua Lipa’s Unexpected Role

Fury vs Joshua Set for Cardiff Amid Surprising Comments About Dua Lipa

Turki Alalshikh, a key figure in boxing promotions, has explained the choice of Cardiff’s Principality Stadium to host the eagerly awaited heavyweight clash between Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua. His reasoning included unexpected remarks about pop star Dua Lipa, who he claimed declined to perform at the event.

Alalshikh Links Venue Choice to Dua Lipa’s Refusal

The two British heavyweights met for their first official press conference since the fight was announced. As questions turned toward the venue selection, Alalshikh revealed why London was not chosen, despite earlier talks about Wembley or Madison Square Garden.

He said London couldn’t guarantee the stadium until 2am, a condition he wanted, and added an unusual twist by involving Dua Lipa in the discussion. According to him, the pop icon refused to perform because she dislikes boxing, and perhaps has personal issues with 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,” Alalshikh stated.

No comment has come from Dua Lipa or her team regarding these claims. Alalshikh also talked about financial factors influencing the decision to hold the fight in Wales. He mentioned the risk of losing roughly $70 million (£52.8m) if staged elsewhere in Britain.

“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.

Choosing Cardiff Over London

Alalshikh highlighted two main reasons for selecting Cardiff: London wouldn’t meet the late-night scheduling needs, but Wales could. He emphasized that Cardiff remains part of the UK and referenced Ryan Giggs’ hometown.

“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.”

Anthony Joshua’s promoter, Eddie Hearn, expressed his excitement at keeping the fight on British soil. He praised both fighters for transforming boxing in the country and thanked the local community for their support.

“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.”

With Cardiff confirmed as the venue, all eyes turn to what promises to be the biggest bout of their careers. Meanwhile, Dua Lipa finds herself unexpectedly linked to the event’s backstory.