On August 19, Liverpool’s Callum Smith will face unified light-heavyweight champion Artur Beterbiev in Canada.

The British fighter is the mandatory challenger for Beterbiev’s WBC title, although the Russian-born Canadian also holds the WBO and IBF titles.

Smith, 33, will be the underdog against Beterbiev, who has a perfect knockout record in 19 professional fights.

“I’m thrilled to finally have the chance to become a two-weight world champion,” Smith said.

“I went to Canada without hesitation to fight Artur Beterbiev, and I will return to Liverpool as a world champion once more.”

Smith was a world champion at super-middleweight before deciding to move up in weight after losing to Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez in 2020 – Smith’s sole defeat in 30 fights.

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Smith has two wins at light-heavyweight and will be the second Briton in a straight to take on Beterbiev, who is undefeated at 38 years old.

Beterbiev stopped Anthony Yarde in a great all-action battle in London in January.

Beterbiev was born in Dagestan, Russia, but acquired Canadian citizenship in 2022 after establishing his boxing career there.

The battle will take place at Quebec City’s Videotron Centre, where Beterbiev is headquartered.

“Quebec is my second home, so I’m very happy to finally defend my titles on home turf,” Beterbiev said.