Retired Mass. boxer Ward acquitted of assault charge in confrontation with wife’s stepfather

Retired Mass. boxer acquitted of assault charge

LOWELL, Mass. — Retired boxer Micky Ward has been acquitted of punching his wife’s stepfather in the face.

A judge on Tuesday cleared the former junior welterweight fighter of an assault and battery charge in the confrontation with Kevin Nolette in May 2008.

Ward’s defense attorney claimed his client acted in self-defense.

Ward had no comment, but his lawyer tells The Sun of Lowell it was “an unfortunate family situation that has deteriorated.”

Authorities say the 43-year-old Ward went to Nolette’s home after the stepfather drove up and down his street yelling obscenities.

Ward backed away from the 53-year-old Nolette before swinging, breaking his nose, knocking out teeth and splitting his lip.

Nolette says the punch was unprovoked.

Information from: The Sun, www.lowellsun.com