Ex-world champion boxer Liam Smith charged with GBH

Former world champion boxer Liam Smith has been charged with causing grievous bodily harm after an alleged attack on a night concierge at a luxury Manchester apartment building.

Smith, who held the WBO super welterweight title from 2015 to 2016, was arrested after the man suffered serious facial injuries at The Blade on Silvercroft Street in Deansgate on 13 September, police confirmed.

The 38-year-old appeared at Manchester Magistrates Court the following day charged with causing GBH with intent, 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.

Smith, nicknamed Beefy, had been due to make a comeback fight against local fighter Ilaru Kujala in Finland on 4 September.

However, he withdrew from the fight a few days earlier after suffering a calf injury, according to reports.

Smith has fought at the highest levels, including against elite champions such as Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez.

More recently he fought British rival Chris Eubank Jnr in two memorable bouts, defeating the Brighton man in the first fight in January 2023 before suffering a defeat in the rematch eight months later.

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