Ex-boxer Mickey Ward cleared in fight

LOWELL, Mass., Sept. 16 (UPI) -- A judge cleared New England boxer "Irish" Micky Ward of an assault and battery charge in a 2008 fight with his father-in-law.

The Lowell (Mass.) Sun said Wednesday that District Court Judge James McGuiness made the ruling after the defense argued the 43-year-old Ward was acting in self defense when he broke 53-year-old Kevin Nolette's nose amid a shouting match at Nolette's home.

"What is clear is that Micky Ward does his fighting in the ring," lawyer Robert Normandin declared after Tuesday's ruling.

The Sun said Ward is not totally out of the woods. Nolette has a civil lawsuit pending.

Ward was a three-time New England Golden Gloves winner who spent 15 years as a welterweight in the professional ranks. His record includes three bouts against Arturo Gatti.

Ward is also the subject of a new movie called "The Fighter" that stars Christian Bale and will be out next year.