Dave Thompson/Matchroom Boxing

Liam Smith, the former WBO junior middleweight champion, appeared at Manchester Crown Court on Monday to face a charge of grievous bodily harm with intent.

According to reports, Smith is alleged to have punched a man in the head as he lay on the floor, “unable to stand.”

During a brief hearing, the judge referred to CCTV footage of the alleged incident, which occurred in Manchester, England, on September 13.

“Part of the footage shows the defendant deliver two strikes to the head of somebody lying down on the floor who’s unable to stand,” the judge said.

The hearing was adjourned until November 28, when Smith is due to enter his plea. A provisional trial date was set for the week beginning March 15, 2028.

Smith's boxing career had appeared to be nearing its end. In 2023, he split two bouts with Chris Eubank Jnr, losing the rematch, before being outpointed by Aaron McKenna in 2025. Smith, 33-5-1 (20 KOs), had been planning a comeback last month before injury curtailed his return.

The 38-year-old Smith, who like his three brothers – Paul, Stephen and Callum – won a British title, claimed the WBO belt at 154lbs in 2015 and made two successful defenses.

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