Former boxing world champion Liam Smith has appeared in court accused of attacking a man in Manchester. The 38-year-old, who held the WBO light-middleweight title from 2015 to 2016, appeared at Manchester Crown Court on October 19.
Smith is accused of section 18 wounding, causing grievous bodily harm with intent, to alleged victim Laurent Nke. He is also charged with an alternative offence of section 20 wounding, causing grievous bodily harm. The incident occurred in Manchester on September 13.
Pleas postponed to November
Smith had been due to enter his pleas at the hearing, but the matter was postponed for a month. A further hearing was scheduled for November 26, where the defendant is expected to enter his pleas. A trial was provisionally scheduled for March 15, 2028.
Smith, of Formby, Merseyside, was released on conditional bail by Judge Tom Gilbart ahead of the next hearing.
Boxing career highlights
The Liverpudlian won the WBO light-middleweight title by defeating American John Thompson at Manchester Arena in October 2015. More recently, he returned to the Arena to twice face Chris Eubank Jr in 2023, emerging victorious from the first fight and losing the rematch.
His most recent bout was a loss to Irish boxer Aaron McKenna at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in April last year.
