In this photo taken Feb. 10, 2012 and provided by Event Marketing & Communications, boxer Orlando Cruz, right, battles Alejandro Delgado during a fight at the Palm Bay Community Center in Palm Bay, Fla. Describing himself as “a proud gay man,” Puerto Rican featherweight Orlando Cruz on Thursday, Oct. 4, 2012, became what is believed to be the first pro boxer to come out as openly homosexual while still competing. (AP Photo/Event Marketing & Communications, Reynaldo Sanchez)
Describing himself as “a proud gay man,” Puerto Rican featherweight boxer Orlando Cruz last Thursday becoming what is to be believed to be the first pro boxer to come out as a homosexual while competing in sports.
Orlando Cruz told The Associated Press in an interview that he is relieved about his decision he made but it had initial reservations.
”I developed physically and mentally to take such a big step in my life and in my profession, which is boxing, knowing that it would have pros and cons, highs and lows in this sport that is so macho,” he said. ”I kept this hidden for many, many years.”
Few active professional athletes have come out. There has yet to be an openly gay player in Major League Baseball, the NBA or NFL.
Reaction to Cruz’s announcement was largely positive across social media, with many praising him for taking what they called a brave step given the sport’s violent history. Among those who sent messages of support was Puerto Rican singer Ricky Martin, who announced he was gay in 2010.
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