Orlando Cruz, Boxer Announces 'I'm a Proud Gay Man' [DETAILS]

Orlando Cruz, the popular Puerto Rican featherweight boxer, has recently announced that he is "a proud gay man."  Reports claim that he is the first pro boxer to come out as openly homosexual while still competing.

31-year-old Cruz released a statement to the "Associated Press" stating that he is a "proud gay man," and that although he had initial reservations coming out to the public, he is happy and relieved about his decision.

Cruz, a left-hander competitor, is currently ranked the World Boxing Organization's no. 4 featherweight fighter - he is 18-2-1 with nine knockouts. Cruz is set to challenge Mexican boxer Jorge Pazos for the WBO Latino title on Oct. 19.

Before his announcement, Cruz admits that he met with psychologists and was fully supported in his decision to come out by family members, his trainer, and his manager. He praised his mother, father, and sister for their ongoing love and support.

In his public announcement, Cruz states, "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. I kept this hidden for many, many years."

He goes on to say:

"I don't want to hide any of my identities. I want people to look at me for the human being that I am. I am a professional sportsman that always brings his best to the ring. I want for people to continue to see me for my boxing skills, my character, my sportsmanship. But I also want kids who suffer from bullying to know that you can be whoever you want to be in life, including a professional boxer, that anything is possible and that who you are or whom you love should not be impediment to achieving anything in life.

I want to thank my family, especially my mom, who's my inspiration and my best reason to continue to live and my brother and my sister. I want to thank my friends for their love and support. And I also want to thank my team for believing in me and being so supportive not only in this decision, but throughout my career. I am and will always be a proud Puerto Rican gay man."

The public's reaction to Cruz's announcement has been largely positive and supportive, many praising him for "taking a brave step" considering boxing's violent history and macho history.  While some fans also expressed their concern for Cruz's safety, wondering if other boxers will now be reluctant to fight him, president of the Boxing Commission of Puerto Rico Dommys Delgado, said, "Orlando has proven to be an excellent boxer with very good chances of becoming a world champion. We do know that it is a very macho sport. Those who don't want to fight with him, well, don't fight."

The only other boxer to publically announce that he had relations with both men and women was U.S. Virgin Islander Emile Griffith, but his admittance came decades after his 18-year career as a pro boxer ended.

"I've been fighting for more than 24 years and as I continue my ascendant career, I want to be true to myself," Cruz said. He is prepared to face any falling-outs from his announcement, but believes many of his fellow boxers already suspected that he was gay. "I have always been and always will be a proud gay man."