EXCLUSIVE: Eddie Hearn agrees a deal for Conor Benn to fight Chris Eubank Jr. in the Middle East on December 23, as a contingency in the event Benn is not cleared to box in the UK

Eddie Hearn has agreed that Conor Benn will fight Chris Eubank Jr. in the Middle East on December 23 in the event that Benn is not cleared to box in the UK.

Mail Sport understands some clarity on Benn’s immediate future is expected next week when a meeting will decide which arbitration body will hear the British Boxing Board of Control and UK Anti-Doping’s appeal against the National Anti-Doping decision Panel hearing in July to overturn his suspension.

Hearn has publicly stated his preference for Benn’s fight with Eubank Jr to take place at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff, but with December 23 less than 11 weeks away he has agreed terms for an alternative to accommodate the possibility to bear that the board rejects a fight in Great Britain.

Benn, who made a low-key comeback in Orlando last month after a 17-month absence due to two failed drug tests, gave up his British driving license at the height of the saga.

There is hope that there will be a duel between Conor Benn (right) and Chris Eubank Jnr (left) this year

It is likely that the Eubank Jr fight will take place in Abu Dhabi if Hearn’s Cardiff hopes are dashed. A second option in the Middle East was also discussed.

In either case, it is likely that Benn’s much-hyped encounter with Eubank Jr will take place before the outcome of the board and UKAD’s appeal is known.

Sources have advised Mail Sport that it could take December or January for such an appeal to be heard or even decided.

Benn, who maintains he did not dope intentionally, has previously pointed to the July NADP verdict as “proof” of his innocence, although sources have told Mail Sport the hearing did not focus on the key question, such as a banned one Substance, clomiphene, entered his system.

It is believed part of the arguments put forward by Benn’s legal team concerned UKAD’s right to decide on samples collected by the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association.

Promoter Eddie Hearn wants it to take place in Cardiff, despite Benn not having a license to fight in the UK