Ex‑world champion boxer Liam Smith accused of punching man on floor

Former world champion boxer Liam Smith, 38, appeared at Manchester Crown Court on 19 October 2026 to face a charge of causing grievous bodily harm with intent. The charge stems from an alleged assault on a concierge employee at The Blade tower block on Silvercroft Street, Deansgate, on 13 September. The victim, identified as Laurent Nke, suffered serious facial injuries and required hospital treatment.

During a brief hearing, Judge Tom Gilbart noted that CCTV footage captured the incident. He said the video shows Smith delivering two blows to the head of a man who was lying on the floor and unable to stand, and then moving past other people to continue the attack. The judge adjourned the case until 28 November, when Smith is expected to enter a plea. Bail was granted with strict conditions: Smith must not contact Nke, must not enter Manchester except for court appearances or meetings with his solicitor, and must remain in the area of Formby in Sefton.

A provisional trial date has been set for the week beginning 15 March 2028. Smith, nicknamed “Beefy,” held the WBO light‑middleweight title from 2015 to 2016. He had been scheduled to return to the ring in a bout against Finnish fighter Ilari Kujala on 4 September, but withdrew after sustaining a calf injury, according to reports.

One of four brothers who all boxed professionally and won British titles, Smith has faced some of the sport’s biggest names, including a loss to Saul “Canelo” Alvarez. He also fought British rival Chris Eubank Jr twice, winning the first encounter in January 2023 and losing the rematch eight months later.