Lowell, MA (Feb. 13, 2008) – Local boxing hero Micky Ward will be UMass Lowell’s special guest Saturday Night as the River Hawks host the 7th-ranked Boston College Eagles to the Tsongas Arena (7:00).

Beginning at 6:00 Ward will be signing his book, Irish Thunder, in the Talon Room for club seat holders. Proceeds from all book sales will benefit the boxer charity, Team Micky Ward. He will then be joined on the ice before the game by Triumvirate Environmental President Tom Aicardi for a ceremonial puck drop.

During the first intermission, Ward will have a table on the concourse to sign autographs for all UMass Lowell fans. He will also participate in the second intermission promotional activity.

Micky Ward compiled a 38-13 record with 27 KOs over his 18-year professional career. He garnered national attention for a trio of fights with fellow welterweight Arturo Gatti. The two battled annually from 2001-03 with each fight being named “Fight of the Year” by Ring Magazine. Ward’s career highlights including winning the WBU Intercontinental Title as well as the WBU Light Welterweight Word Title.

The boxing champion’s life is the subject of the upcoming film “The Fighter” which is set to star Mark Wahlberg as Micky and Brad Pitt as Dickie Eklund, his older brother.