Turki Alalshikh sparked an awkward moment at the Tyson Fury vs. Anthony Joshua press conference after making a bizarre remark about pop star Dua Lipa.
The Saudi boxing chief was discussing why the highly anticipated heavyweight clash will take place at Principality Stadium in Cardiff instead of London when he brought up Lipa, who was reportedly considered for a performance before declining the opportunity.
Turki Alalshikh Makes Bizarre Dua Lipa Remark
Alalshikh explained that staging the fight in London would have created logistical issues because of the event’s expected late start time.
I will be honest today, I know that London wouldn’t give me the stadium until 2am,” Alalshikh said. “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.
Someone in the crowd then appeared to challenge Alalshikh’s explanation, prompting an even stranger response.
No, I think she has something with the Arabs. And, you know, it is my blood. I cannot change it,” he said.
Lipa has not publicly responded to the remark.
The comments came during the launch press conference for Fury vs. Joshua, which was officially announced for December 11 at Principality Stadium.
The location had been a major talking point, with New York previously expected to host the long-awaited heavyweight showdown.
Alalshikh also revealed that staging the event in the UK reportedly means accepting around $70 million less in revenue, but the decision ultimately allowed the blockbuster all-British matchup to remain on British soil.
