Professional boxer Orlando Cruz, a featherweight fighter from Puerto Rico, made history on Wednesday, announcing that he is a homosexual.

Cruz became the first openly gay fighter in boxing and is now the only openly gay athlete in major professional sports. The 31-year-old boxer released a statement on Wednesday, saying he is a "proud gay man."

"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, according to the Associated Press. "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."

Cruz has a 18-2-1 record with nine knockouts and is ranked fourth in the featherweight class by the World Boxing Organization. He made his professional debut in 2000 and was an Olympian for Puerto Rico in the Sydney Olympics.

According to ESPN.com, Cruz has a fight against Jorge Pazos (20-4, 13 KOs) scheduled for Oct. 19. He could have a shot at a world title if he wins the bout.

"I don't want to hide any of my identities," he said. "I want people to look at me for the human being that I am. I am a professional sportsman that always bring 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.

Cruz amassed an amateur record of 178-11 and won seven titles in Puerto Rico according to The Guardian.

"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."

In recent years the topic of gay athletes in professional sports has become a larger topic. No active players have come out while actively playing in the four major professional sports in the United States, although many players have shown support for homosexual athletes.

In May 2011, New York Rangers star Sean Avery came out with a video supporting gay marriage and many other players and executives across the NHL echoed his sentiments.

More recently, Ravens linebacker Brandon Ayanbadejo spoke out in favor of legalizing gay marriage, which prompted a Maryland state delegate Emmett C. Burns Jr. to write a letter to the owner of the Ravens, saying that the owner should suppress such thoughts.

That action spurred Minnesota Vikings punter Chris Kluwe to write a scathing response letter to the delegate, saying that "I can assure you that gay people getting married will have zero effect on your life. They won't come into your house and steal your children. They won't magically turn you into a lustful cockmonster."

Many athletes have come out of the closet post-retirement, including NBA player John Amaechi and NFL players Brian Sims and Esera Tuaolo.

It remains to be seen what response Cruz will get for his announcement, but it is a huge step for gay athlete's around the world and shows a great deal of courage from the Puerto Rican boxer. Good for you Mr. Cruz.

Related