Ward could face assault charges

LOWELL, Mass. -- Former boxer "Irish" Micky Ward is awaiting word on whether he will face charges stemming from allegations that he hit his wife's stepfather.

The Sun newspaper of Lowell reports that police say Ward attacked Kevin Nolette on May 28, leaving him with a broken nose, split lip and knocking out several teeth.

Clerk-Magistrate Roberta Kettlewell of the Lowell District Court will decide next week whether enough evidence was presented at a hearing Friday to charge Ward with assault and battery.

There was no immediate information on what triggered the violence.

Ward could not be immediately reached for comment because his number was unlisted.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)