Gay boxer Orlando Cruz says life has changed since coming out in October

Featherweight contender Orlando Cruz of Puerto Rico last October announced to the world that he is gay. He is believed to be the first fighter to do that while still active.

During a conference call this week promoting his Oct. 12 title fight with Orlando Salido of Mexico, Cruz indicated he was thrilled regarding his decision to come out.

“My life has changed completely,” Cruz said. “I am now a different person. I am happy with the support that all of the people have given me. And I just want to continue to work hard doing the things that I need to do to make history.”

Cruz, a 32-year-old southpaw, is 20-2-1 with 10 knockouts. Salido, 32, is 39-12-2 with 27 knockouts.

They will fight underneath the welterweight title fight between Timothy Bradley and Juan Manuel Marquez at Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas (on HBO pay-per-view).

 

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