The Briton is gearing up for his return.
Hamzah Sheeraz, 23-0-1 (19 KOs), won the vacant WBO title with a third-round stoppage of Alem Begic in May.
The fight took place on the Egypt card headlined by Oleksandr Usyk’s heavyweight clash with Rico Verhoeven.
Sheeraz made light work of Begic, and his dominant display suggested a quick return to the ring.
As attention turned to who the new champion would face next, unbeaten Danish challenger Jacob Bank looked set to get the shot.
However, WBO president Gustavo Olivieri has since confirmed to BoxingScene that Sheeraz will be permitted a voluntary title defence.
Under WBO rules, Sheeraz has 180 days to make his mandatory title defence.
The WBO can alter that timeline if its championship committee decides to do so.
Should that be the case, Sheeraz should receive notice of his mandatory challenger 60 days before the defence is due.
When is Hamzah Sheeraz expected to fight next?
Rumours suggest his first title defence could take place on Anthony Joshua’s undercard against Kristian Prenga.
If confirmed, an announcement is expected soon, with the Jeddah event now less than a month away.
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