Orlando Cruz aims to become first openly gay boxing champion
Monday 21 August 2017 17:10, UK
Orlando Cruz will become the first openly gay boxing world champion if he defeats Terry Flanagan for the WBO lightweight title in Cardiff on Saturday.
Cruz, 35, represented Puerto Rico at the 2000 Sydney Games, turning professional thereafter.
In 2008, Cruz won the IBA Featherweight title following a unanimous decision defeat of Carlos Guevara, before El Fenomeno lost two title fights back to back.
In October 2012, Cruz became the first boxer to come out as gay while still actively fighting professionally but lost his first title bid to Orlando Salido in Las Vegas in October 2013.
Now, Cruz has his second chance to make history.
"I want to inspire the gay community by becoming a world champion on Saturday," said Cruz.
"Everyone has been very supportive since I came out. I have the support of my family, friends and fans.
"When I look at my story, it makes me hopeful that more people will be inspired to come out. Right now my focus is fully on the big fight on Saturday and winning the WBO lightweight belt."
Saturday's bout will be the first such occasion Cruz will be fighting in the lightweight division, having fought as a featherweight his whole career.
His opponent is intimidating Mancunian Flanagan, who has an unblemished professional record of 31-0 in his career to date.
Flanagan has praised Cruz before their clash, likening his courage to his sister Chelsea's, who is also gay.
"I remember well when she came out and what it was like," said Flanagan.
"She's had it hard, she came out in her teens and she's a better person for it now."
Cruz's record currently reads 25-1-4 from 30 bouts, but Saturday's clash in Cardiff will be his first ever professional boxing fight in Europe, having previously always fought in the United States or Puerto Rico.
"Terry is a great champion and a real people's person," added Cruz. "More importantly, he respects my life and my choices. He sees the man boxing him and that is it."
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