Former WBO champion Liam Smith charged with grievous bodily harm

Former world champion boxer Liam Smith has been charged with causing grievous bodily harm after an alleged attack on a night concierge at The Blade on Silvercroft Street in Deansgate on 13 September, police said. He was arrested following the incident.

Smith, 38 and from Liverpool, held the WBO light-middleweight title from 2015 to 2016. He appeared at Manchester Magistrates Court the following day charged with causing GBH with intent and was released on bail. The alleged victim reportedly suffered serious facial injuries, including fractures, and required surgery.

Smith had been due to make a comeback fight against local fighter Ilaru Kujala in Finland on 4 September but withdrew a few days earlier after suffering a calf injury, according to reports. The scheduled bout was described in reports as a return to action. He is nicknamed Beefy.

He has fought at the highest levels, including against Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez. More recently he faced British rival Chris Eubank Jr in two bouts, defeating the Brighton man in the first fight in January 2023 before suffering a defeat in the rematch eight months later.

Smith is next due to appear at Manchester Crown Court on 19 October, where he will be asked to enter a plea.