World cruiserweight boxing champ David Haye is planning a move up to heavyweight later this year and is enlisting a familiar name to help make the transition:

Londoner Haye is the undisputed world cruiserweight king, after his knockout win over Welshman Enzo Maccarinelli in March. But he plans to step up to heavyweight permanently in November.

Haye, 27, might next take on American Hasim Rahman, who knocked out Lennox Lewis for the world title before the Londoner avenged the loss.

He then hopes to be challenging Ukrainian Wladimir Klitschko – the world’s best heavyweight – next year.

But before Haye takes on the big boys, he is going to get British ultimate fighting king Bisping to teach him some rough moves.

And Bisping will be getting additional striking instruction from Haye. That should make him an even more formidable foe as his improved boxing has made him into a much more complete fighter:

He said: “I’ve actually arranged to do some stand-up work with Michael at my camp in Cyprus.

“He’s already a very well-rounded MMA (Mixed Martial Arts) fighter, but we’ve agreed that some pure boxing practice could help him fulfil his goal of becoming a UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship) champion.

“And I’ll also be learning some grappling and clinching techniques from Mike to incorporate into my boxing.

“Unlike some other boxers, I know the value of what these UFC guys do.

“The ultimate goal is Klitschko and after his next fight he won’t have anywhere else to go but face me.�

Bisping, from Clitheroe, Lancashire – who took on Canadian Jason ‘Dooms’ Day in London last night – said: “I think David will go on and win the world heavyweight title.

At first it may seem that Bisping’s techniques would have little applicability for Haye, but since Klitschko’s weakness may be fighters who maul him on the inside it makes perfect sense.

Haye gets set for cage rage @ Daily Star