While the two will share a spot on the Anthony Joshua-Kristian Prenga undercard, their meeting will have to wait.

Bank, The Ring's No. 8-rated super middleweight, will instead face unbeaten Pawel August on Saturday at Jeddah Superdome in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

"I'm staying patient because I know my opportunity will come," Bank (19-0, 11 KOs) told The Ring.

"Right now, my full focus is on winning my own fight in convincing fashion. If everything goes according to plan, I believe the fight with Hamzah is only a matter of time."

The Danish fighter welcomes the opportunity to face his upset-minded opponent, who is coming off a big win of his own earlier this year. "He put in a very impressive performance in April when he defeated Simon Zachenhuber, so I know exactly what kind of challenge he brings," he said. "He's a very solid all-round boxer, technically well-schooled and experienced. If I'm not fully focused, he's the kind of opponent who can make things difficult.

"But I also see this as the perfect opportunity to show the boxing world that I'm ready to take over this division. If I stick to the game plan and perform the way I know I can, I'm confident I can get him out of there before the final bell. A strong performance should move me one big step closer to a world title shot."

The 25-year-old is enjoying a breakout year thus far, with stoppage victories over former IBF titleholder William Scull (KO12) in January and then dismantling Paulinus Ndjolonimu in five rounds three months later.

The belief is that staying in the gym and active is reaping its own rewards.

"This will be my third fight of the year,” he said. "It's a huge advantage, especially compared to some of the top names in the division, including Hamzah.

"That activity keeps me sharp and constantly improving, so when my world title opportunity comes — hopefully later this year — I'll be more than ready."

Bank, who has trained at home and sparred with compatriot Oliver Zaren as well as Britain's Troy Williamson, couldn't help taking a dig at Sheeraz but feels a win in his own fight will solidify his position within the WBO.

"Hamzah is defending his WBO title against Simon Zachenhuber, while I'm facing the man who beat Zachenhuber back in April. That speaks for itself," he said plainly.

"My goal is to make a statement and leave no doubt that I belong at the very top of the division. Hopefully, after this event, Hamzah and Frank Warren will be ready to make the fight happen.

"As far as I'm concerned, I expect the WBO to make me the mandatory challenger after Hamzah has had the opportunity to make an easy voluntary title defense. I'll be ready whenever that call comes."

August (18-0, 7 KOs) is Polish-born but has lived in the UK for the entirety of his decade-long professional career. The 31-year-old toiled on small hall shows waiting for his opportunity which came as a late substitute against Zachenhuber on the Tyson Fury-Arslanbek Makhmudov undercard on April 11. He made the most of his chance, scoring a six-round points decision (58-56).