Abu Dhabi back in play for grudge match between Conor Benn and Chris Eubank Jr

The all-British grudge match between Conor Benn and Chris Eubank Jr could finally take place in Abu Dhabi later this year, according to reports.

Promoters Matchroom have previously stated their desire to hold the bout in the UK, with the Principality Stadium in Cardiff their preferred venue.

However, with Benn still unable to box in the UK because of an unresolved doping case, the Daily Mail reported that a deal has been lined up to bring the fight to Abu Dhabi on December 23.

The British rivals, both sons of famous boxers, were originally scheduled to fight at London's O2 Arena in October 2022 but the bout was cancelled 24 hours beforehand after it was discovered that Benn had tested positive for the performance-enhancing drug clomifene.

The event had gained significant public interest because of a bitter feud between their fathers that had produced two classic fights in the 1990s.

It later emerged that Benn had in fact failed two separate VADA-administered tests, but the 27-year-old has always maintained his innocence.

In July, a ruling made by the National Anti-Doping Panel saw his suspension lifted but UK Anti Doping and the British Boxing Board of Control lodged an appeal and Benn remains unlicensed and unable to fight in a UK ring.

A previous attempt to bring the fight to Abu Dhabi in September was shelved because of the ongoing uncertainty over Benn's situation.

Since then, the 34-year-old Eubank Jr posted an impressive 10th-round stoppage victory in a rematch with Liam Smith, while Benn made a low-key return to the ring with a points victory over the unknown Mexican Rodolfo Orozco in Florida last month.

Chris Eubank Jr, right, was impressive as he prevailed in his rematch with Liam Smith. PA

Matchroom boss