Artur Beterbiev has questioned Callum Smith's ability to fight at light-heavyweight ahead of Saturday's world title bout in Canada.

Unified champ Beterbiev, 38, is putting his WBC, IBF and WBO belts on the line in Quebec City.

But former super-middleweight world champion Smith has only stepped up to the 175lb category in two fights since his December 2020 loss to Canelo Alvarez.

Beterbiev told Sky Sports: "One category lower he was champion.

"He's coming up to our category. 175lbs is 175lbs and we'll see what happens there. 

"Maybe in the lower category, he's good there but here it's 175."

The Russian-Canadian fighter added: "After, we can say how is he. We'll see.

"Like all my opponents, he's a good boxer. He's a good fighter, a good challenge for me. 

"I know he will bring everything for this fight and I will bring everything for this fight.

"I try to be ready for this challenge 100%, like usual and we will see who is better."

Saturday's bout was originally confirmed for last August but had to be rescheduled after Beterbiev required jaw surgery due to a bone infection.

Although he remains favourite for the contest, Beterbiev's 100% record of wins by knockout in his professional career is in jeopardy.

He said: "I'm not focused for the knockout.

"In camp, we have a couple of strategies for the fight. We always do preparation for 12 rounds."

Beterbiev is rumoured to be eyeing a unification contest with Dmitry Bivol in Saudi Arabia this year but British fighter John Ryder believes Scouse scrapper Smith should not be overlooked.

Ryder told talkSPORT: "I think it's a great fight for Callum.

"Especially with Beterbiev being injured and the fight being postponed. I think it's a good sign.

"Is age getting the better of Beterbiev now? Is the timing right for Callum?

"I know Callum's going to his back yard for the fight and rightly so.

"If you want to fight a champion then what better way to do it than in their back yard?

"I've got high hopes for Callum in this fight. I think he'll come away victorious."