Former WBO light-middleweight champion Liam Smith has appeared in court charged with assaulting a man in Manchester. The Liverpudlian boxer, who held the title between 2015 and 2016, appeared before Manchester Crown Court on October 19.
Charges and Alleged Incident
Smith faces a charge of section 18 wounding, causing grievous bodily harm with intent against alleged victim Laurent Nke. He is also charged with an alternative offence of section 20 wounding, causing grievous bodily harm. The alleged incident took place in Manchester on September 13.
Smith had been expected to enter his pleas at today's hearing, but this was delayed by a month, according to the Manchester Evening News.
Next Hearing and Trial Date
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, was released on conditional bail by Judge Tom Gilbart ahead of the next hearing.
Boxing Career
Smith 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.
