Lawrence Okolie Receives Backing from Sparring Partner Daniel Dubois for Impact on Heavyweight Div

Lawrence Okolie Receives Backing from Sparring Partner Daniel Dubois for Impact on Heavyweight Division

Current WBO cruiserweight champion Lawrence Okolie has been tipped by his long-time sparring partner and WBA "regular" heavyweight champ Daniel Dubois to make a major impact on the heavyweight division. Okolie retained his belt with a unanimous decision against mandatory challenger David Light in Manchester last Saturday.

Although there are several unification options for the 30-year-old later this year, he has made it clear that he aspires to move up to the heavyweight division at some point. And Dubois believes that Okolie has the right attributes for heavyweight success, thanks to his dimensions and punching power which the pair honed in sparring at the Peacock Gym in east London.

While Okolie has since moved on to his fourth trainer, SugarHill Steward, Dubois feels that the two fighters' paths may cross again in the future.

"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."

Dubois is eager to see Okolie make the step up to heavyweight and join the likes of Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury, describing him as "near enough a heavyweight already." The prospect of facing Okolie in the ring also excites Dubois, who believes that the sparring sessions between the two have prepared them both for the challenge.

"We’ve had great spars, he’s a tricky guy, and I did a lot of learning in them," said Dubois. "One day, who knows, maybe we can get it on for real at heavyweight.”

With both fighters currently holding world titles in their respective weight classes, a potential showdown between Okolie and Dubois could be a fascinating prospect for boxing fans.