Boxing’s First Openly Gay Man

By Nancy Hennen

Professional lightweight Orlando Cruz is being called “boxing’s first openly gay man,” and that’s true, as the only other boxer to come out before Cruz, Eddie Griffith, did so after his career in boxing had ended.

“I want to try to be the best role model I can be for kids who might look into boxing as a sport and a professional career. I have and will always be a proud Puerto Rican. I have always been and always will be a proud gay man.”

Michael Walters notes, “For Cruz to come out while still actively participating in what has to be considered one of, if not the, most macho sports is truly brave.”

Cruz, a former Olympian, is the No. 4-ranked featherweight in the WBO and has been boxing for more than 24 years.

By: nancy hennen