Micky Ward Talks 'The Fighter' And Brain Donation

BOSTON (CBS) - Former boxer Micky Ward of Lowell may be 45 years old now, but he's still swinging away.

His hard-knocks story is chronicled in the new movie, "The Fighter" starring Dorchester native Mark Wahlberg.

The film was just nominated for six Golden Globes, including Best Picture.

Ward told WBZ-TV he's stunned by all of the praise for the movie.

"I think it's great for me and my brother, and my family and the city of Lowell. It was a long road getting the movie made and for the movie to come out like it came out, it's getting great reviews and great raves. I'm just happy and proud."

Ward is also working on another legacy.

After he dies, he's donating his brain and spinal column to researchers at Boston University who are studying the effects of traumatic head injuries.

Ward has suffered several concussions over the years and he says he's struggled with memory problems and other health issues that he believes have been caused or related to those head injuries.

"I want to help the next generation of boxers out there. It's a no-brainer for me."

Ward joins more than 300 current and former athletes who have agreed to donate their brains to the B.U. study.

He's hoping the research can help prevent some of the effects he believes he's suffered from concussions.