Pro Boxer Orlando Cruz: I Am A Proud Gay Man
Oct. 3 2012, Published 8:30 a.m. ET
Puerto Rican pro boxer Orlando Cruz has become the first openly gay professional fighter – one week before National Coming Out Day, which is Thursday, October 11.
The featherweight champ, 31, released a statement to the media saying: “I’ve been fighting for more than 24 years and as I continue my ascendant career, I want to be true to myself.
“I want to try to be the best role model I can be for kids who might look into boxing as a sport and a professional career.
“I have and will always be a proud Puerto Rican. I have always been and always will be a proud gay man.”
Cruz -- who turned pro shortly after the Sydney Olympics in 2000 -- has been boxing since he was seven and has won seven national titles and seven international gold medals.
He’s scheduled to fight Jorge Pazos in Florida on Friday, October 19.
RELATED STORIES:
Desperate Transgender Boy Tried To Slice Off His Genitals With Scissors When He Was Four
Never Miss an
Daily updates from the heart of Hollywood, right to your inbox
By entering your email and clicking Sign Up, you’re agreeing to let us send you customized marketing messages about us and our advertising partners. You are also agreeing to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
