Pro boxer Orlando Cruz makes some history

Puerto Rican featherweight Orlando Cruz described himself as “a proud gay man,” becoming what is believed to be the first professional boxer to come out as openly gay while still competing.

On coming out, Cruz stated:

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.

The Task Force’s Pedro Julio Serrano praised Cruz for coming out and told the AP that it breaks stereotypes that LGBT people do not participate in sports such as boxing:

It also gives a lot of hope to young gays who can see in him the integrity and bravery to be who you are and face a society that is often intolerant, especially in this type of sport

Serrano has been working with Cruz in preparation and in the roll-out of his announcement.

You can thank Orlando for his bravery by following him on Twitter @ElFenomenoCruz and sending him a thank you tweet.