Orlando Cruz becomes first boxer in history to 'come out of closet'

Puerto Rican boxer Orlando Cruz has become the first person in the sport's history to openly admit that he is gay, declaring himself as 'a proud gay man.'

"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," USA Today quoted Cruz, as saying.

"I've been fighting for more than 24 years and as I continue my ascendant career, I want to be true to myself," he added.

According to the report, Cruz, 31, who has been ranked the No. 4 featherweight by the WBO, began boxing at age 7, and his amateur career culminated in his selection to the 2000 Puerto Rican Olympic Team in Sydney. His teammates included former world champions Miguel Cotto and Ivan Calderon.

Cruz debuted as a professional in 2000 and won his first world title (vacant IBA, a lesser title) on March 22, 2008. His next fight is Oct. 19 in Kissimmee, Florida, when he will defend his WBO NABO title against Jorge Pazos, and a win could put him in line for a major title shot, the report said.