Former world champion boxer Liam Smith is alleged to have punched a man in the head as he lay on the floor “unable to stand”, a court heard.

Smith, who held the WBO light-middleweight title from 2015 to 2016, appeared for the first time at Manchester Crown Court earlier to face a charge of causing grievous bodily harm with intent.

The 38-year-old, from Liverpool, was not asked to enter pleas to the charge which followed his arrest for the alleged attack on a concierge worker at The Blade tower block on Silvercroft Street, Deansgate, on 13 September.

Alleged victim Laurent Nke suffered facial injuries and spent time in hospital, the court heard.

During a brief hearing Judge Tom Gilbart referred to the fact the incident was captured on CCTV cameras.

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

He added that the cameras also recorded Smith allegedly “pushing past people to resume the incident, punching someone on the floor”.

Judge Gilbart adjourned the hearing until 28 November. Smith was told to be ready to enter his pleas on that date.

The fighter, nicknamed ‘Beefy’, was granted bail with conditions not to contact Nke or to enter Manchester, unless to attend court, or for appointments with his solicitor.

Judge Gilbart fixed a provisional trial date for the week commencing 15 March 2028.

Smith, now of Formby in Sefton, was due to make a comeback in a fight on 4 September in Finland, but pulled out due to a calf injury, according to reports.

Smith, one of four brothers who all boxed professionally and all won titles at British level, has fought some of the biggest names in the sport including a defeat to Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez.

More recently he fought British rival Chris Eubank Jr twice, defeating him in the first fight in January 2023, before suffering a defeat in the rematch eight months later.

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