Former boxing champion Liam Smith faces court over attack

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 19 Oct, 13:31 · Archive

Former WBO light-middleweight champion Liam Smith appeared in court accused of attacking a man in Manchester.

Liam Smith, 38, appeared at Manchester Crown Court facing a charge of causing grievous bodily harm with intent following an alleged attack on 13 September. Smith held the WBO light-middleweight title from 2015 to 2016 and fought Chris Eubank Jr twice in 2023 at Manchester Arena.

The alleged victim, Laurent Nke, a concierge worker at The Blade tower block on Silvercroft Street in Deansgate, suffered facial injuries and spent time in hospital. Judge Tom Gilbart told the court that CCTV footage captured the incident, with the cameras recording Smith allegedly delivering two strikes to the head of someone lying on the floor who was unable to stand. The judge also noted the footage showed Smith allegedly pushing past people to resume the incident and punch someone on the floor.

Smith, from Liverpool, was granted conditional bail but told not to contact Nke or enter Manchester except to attend court or meet his solicitor. He is expected to enter his pleas at a hearing on 28 November, with a provisional trial date fixed for the week commencing 15 March 2028.

How it is being reported

• Ex-world champion boxer Liam Smith 'punched man on floor'Smith, from Liverpool, is alleged to have inflicted serious facial injuries on a concierge worker.BBC Manchester · 19 Oct, 13:17
• Former boxing world champion in court accused of attacking man in ManchesterLiam Smith appeared at Manchester Crown CourtManchester Evening News · 19 Oct, 12:36

In this story: Liam Smith · Laurent Nke · Manchester Crown Court · Manchester · Liverpool

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