Former boxing world champion in court accused of attacking man in Manchester

A former boxing world champion has appeared in court accused of attacking a man in Manchester.

Liam Smith, who held the WBO light-middleweight title from 2015 to 2016, appeared at Manchester Crown Court earlier today (October 19).

He 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. Mr Smith had been due to enter his pleas at today's hearing, but it 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.

Mr Smith, of Formby, Merseyside, was released on conditional bail by Judge Tom Gilbart ahead of the next hearing. The Liverpudlian won the WBO light-middleweight by defeating American John Thompson at Manchester Arena in October 2015.

Moe 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 fight was a loss to Irish boxer Aaron McKenna at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in April last year.

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