Liam Smith, the former WBO light-middleweight boxing champion, has been charged with causing grievous bodily harm in connection with an incident at a luxury apartment building in Manchester. The 38-year-old Liverpudlian was arrested following an alleged attack on a concierge that led to serious facial injuries on September 13.

According to police reports, the alleged victim sustained fractures and later required surgery due to the severity of the injuries. Smith appeared before Manchester Magistrates Court the day after the incident, where he was formally charged with causing grievous bodily harm with intent. He was subsequently released on bail.

Smith, who held the WBO light-middleweight title from 2015 to 2016, has not competed professionally since last year. He was scheduled to return to the ring this summer but withdrew from a fight against Ilari Kujala in Finland on September 4, citing a calf injury.

The former champion is due to appear at Manchester Crown Court on October 19, at which time he will be required to enter a plea regarding the charges. Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the alleged assault.