MANCHESTER — Former world champion boxer Liam Smith has been charged with causing grievous bodily harm with intent after an alleged attack on a night concierge at a luxury Manchester apartment building. Police confirmed the 38-year-old was arrested after the man suffered serious facial injuries at The Blade on Silvercroft Street in Deansgate on 13 September, appeared at Manchester Magistrates' Court the following day, and was released on bail.
Smith, from Liverpool, is next due to appear at Manchester Crown Court on 19 October where he will be asked to enter a plea. The alleged victim reportedly suffered fractures and required surgery following the incident.
The charge comes after Smith, nicknamed Beefy, withdrew from a scheduled comeback fight against local fighter Ilaru Kujala in Finland on 4 September. He pulled out a few days earlier after suffering a calf injury, according to reports.
Smith held the WBO super welterweight title from 2015 to 2016 and has fought at the highest level, including against Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez. More recently he faced British rival Chris Eubank Jnr in two memorable bouts, defeating the Brighton man in January 2023 before suffering defeat in the rematch eight months later.