Puerto Rican WBO featherweight contender Orlando Cruz has become the first know gay active boxer after proudly declaring his sexuality via a press release today.
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.
via Bad Left Hook
In his native Puerto Rico, homosexuality is not really down with the mainstream thanks to the strong influence of the Roman Catholic Church and Boxing is a pretty mucho sport so it’s unclear how his fans and boxing community will react. Considering the art of boxing is founded upon belting your opponents skull with your fists, we’re pretty sure Cruz is pretty well equipped to deal with any mouthy homophobes out there. Check him out in action –
Picture by Mark Ralston at Getty Images
