Lawrence Okolie has been backed to make a deep impact on the heavyweight division by his long-time sparring partner Daniel Dubois.

Okolie is the current WBO cruiserweight champion and retained the belt with a twelve round unanimous decision against mandatory challenger David Light in Manchester on Saturday night.

There are a number of unification options later on in the year but the 6ft 5in puncher has made no secret of his desire to move up to heavyweight eventually.

Dubois, the WBA "regular" champ in that division, believes the 30-year-old is ready made for heavyweight due to his dimensions and punching power which he has experienced first hand.

The pair used to spar at the Peacock Gym in east London when they were both newbie pros before they later worked together under trainer Shane McGuigan.

Okolie has since moved on to the fourth trainer of his career, SugarHill Steward, but Dubois thinks there is every chance their paths will cross once again.

“He’s left Shane so he’s the enemy now,” Dubois told BoxingScene.com with a smile.

“But this is boxing, fighters change trainers all the time. You have to do what’s best for you and make sure you come out on top with what you want. I’m licking my lips though, this is interesting for the division.

“I think he can definitely mix it at heavyweight. He’s a new rival and a new addition - come and join the big boys. He’s been around us sparring all of us already and he’s near enough a heavyweight already. He would make the division a lot more interesting, you need fighters to make good fights.

“Every spar we’ve had has been proper. It’s something you’d like to watch. We’ve had great spars, he’s a tricky guy, and I did a lot of learning in them. One day, who knows, maybe we can get it on for real at heavyweight.”