Promoter Kalle Sauerland has indicated that he expects David Price to be involved in a big fight during 2016.
In July, Price was knocked out in two rounds by Erkan Teper in their European title showdown, but it has since been revealed that the German failed a drugs test after the fight, resulting in the defeat for the Liverpudlian being changed to a no contest.
Teper has since been banned until July 2017, but while admitting his frustration with the situation, Sauerland is hopeful of securing a high-profile bout for the British heavyweight next year.
Sauerland told Sky Sports News: "It's all very frustrating, because at the end of the day, Pricey has lost six months of his career.
"My brother spoke to him over the last couple of days. He's obviously disappointed, I think that's the best way of describing it, and angered.
"David will definitely want to return to the ring and of course this will put him in a strong position, because they have to re-instate him at the top of the rankings. He will have a mandatory bout at some time next year for this title, if that's the route that we go down."
Aside from the no contest with Teper, Price has won 19 of his 21 outings as a professional.
