Puerto Rican boxer, Orlando Cruz has expressed his intention to win the WBO lightweight title from Terry Flanagan in Cardiff on Saturday “for all the gay athletes in the world”.
The 35-year-old aims to become the first openly gay boxer to win a world title against England’s Flanagan.
Flanagan, 27, is making the fourth defence of the belt he won last July.
“It’s a big moment for me, my community and my country,” said Cruz, who fought for the WBO featherweight title in 2013, losing to Orlando Salido.
“It’s very important, wonderful, that other people are interested in me as a role model.
“People have told me I’m an inspiration for coming out of the closet. They want to be the same as me – not scared, only happy.”
Cruz told BBC that he wants other gay athletes to be able to walk tall in the society.
“Don’t be scared. Be happy with your life, and happy with your decision. All people are the same,” he said.
Cruz became the first professional boxer to come out as being gay while still competing in 2012.
In 2015, he was won four straight fights boxing as a super-featherweight, although he did box at lightweight last June.
Flanagan, from Manchester, is a clear favourite to prevail at the Motorpoint Arena. He has also expressed little or no interest at all in Cruz’s personal life. He is merely another opponent.
“Look, it was very brave of Orlando to come out, but I’m not interested in his sexuality, I’m only interested in him as a boxer,” said Flanagan, who is unbeaten in 31 professional fights.
“He’s won his last five, three by stoppage. He’s got to be respected but I’m going to deal with him.”
