Did You See Micky Ward in Melrose Thursday Night?

(Former Light Welterweight Champion Micky Ward takes in some boxing fights with brother and fellow boxer Dick Eklund as well as former Middleweight and Super Middleweight Champion Steve Collins. Joe Lipovich, Patch Staff)

MELROSE, MA—Two of Massachusetts' most popular athletes were in Melrose Thursday Night.

Former World Light Welterweight Boxing Champion "Irish" Micky Ward and half-brother Dick Eklund were on hand at the Melrose Memorial Hall Thursday for a Murphy's Boxing event. Ward also signed a replica championship belt that was auctioned off during the event, and the event proceeds benefitted Massachusetts Fallen Heroes.

Ward made his name in the boxing world with three epic bouts against former champion Arturo Gatti, but perhaps is most famous for being portrayed by actor Mark Wahlberg in The Fighter.

Ward, a Lowell native, won three New England Golden Gloves titles as an amateur before turning professional.

Also in attendance at the event was filmmaker Peter Berg, who is currently directing Wahlberg's next film Patriots' Day, which recounts the 2013 Boston Marathon Bombings. In addition, former Middleweight boxing champion Steve Collins was also in attendance.