Liam Smith charged with GBH with intent after alleged Manchester assault

Former world boxing champion Liam Smith has been charged with causing grievous bodily harm with intent following an alleged assault on a night concierge at an apartment building in Manchester. BBC News reported that the 38-year-old Liverpool boxer has appeared before magistrates and been released on bail, with a further court appearance scheduled for October.

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Police confirmed that Smith was arrested after a man sustained serious facial injuries at The Blade, a luxury apartment building on Silvercroft Street in Deansgate, on September 13. The BBC also reported that the alleged victim suffered fractures and needed surgery. Those further details about the man's injuries were described as reported information in its account of the case.

Smith appeared at Manchester Magistrates Court on the day after the incident, charged with causing GBH with intent. His next appearance is due at Manchester Crown Court on October 19, when he will be asked to enter a plea, according to the BBC. The case concerns an alleged attack; the report describes a charge and forthcoming plea hearing, not a finding of guilt.

The news follows the cancellation of a planned return to the ring earlier in September. Smith had been scheduled to face local boxer Ilaru Kujala in Finland on September 4, but pulled out a few days before the bout. The BBC cited reports that a calf injury had prompted his withdrawal from what was intended to be a comeback fight.

Known by the nickname Beefy, Smith held the WBO super welterweight world title from 2015 to 2016. His career has included bouts against opponents at the top level of the sport, among them Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez. The former champion's recent boxing history also includes two meetings with British rival Chris Eubank Jnr, with a different winner in each contest.

Smith defeated Eubank in their first meeting in January 2023 before losing the rematch eight months later. His planned Finland appearance did not take place after the reported injury withdrawal. Away from the ring, the next date identified in the BBC's account is the October 19 Crown Court hearing, where the legal proceedings are set to continue.