Orlando Cruz will become the first openly gay world boxing champion if he defeats Terry Flanagan to win the WBO lightweight title in Cardiff on Saturday night.
The 35-year-old Puerto Rican has fought nine times since coming out in 2012 and says he hopes his success will give others the courage to open up about their sexuality.
Cruz will be fighting at the lightweight limit for the first time on Saturday. He lost a world featherweight title bid against Orlando Salido in Las Vegas in October 2013.
Cruz said: "I want to inspire the gay community by becoming a world champion on Saturday.
"Everyone has been very supportive since I came out. I have the support of my family, friends and fans.
"When I look at my story, it makes me hopeful that more people will be inspired to come out. Right now my focus is fully on the big fight on Saturday and winning the WBO lightweight belt."
Flanagan, who will take an unbeaten 31-fight record into the ring, has said he appreciates Cruz's courage as his own sister, Chelsea, is openly gay.
Flanagan told ESPN: "I remember well when she came out and what it was like. She's had it hard, she came out in her teens and she's a better person for it now."
Saturday will represent Cruz's first fight in Europe in his 30-fight professional career. Since coming out he has fought in both the US and Puerto Rico.
Share
