By Tribune-Review

Published: Thursday, October 4, 2012, 2:15 p.m.
Updated: Wednesday, October 10, 2012

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico -- Puerto Rican featherweight Orlando Cruz has announced he is gay, making him what is believed to be the first openly homosexual pro boxer.

Cruz tells The Associated Press he is relieved about his decision and had initial reservations about coming out in what he calls a "macho" sport. The announcement comes two weeks before Cruz challenges Mexico's Jorge Pazos for the WBO Latino title.

Cruz is ranked as the WBO's No. 4 featherweight. He is 18-2-1 with nine knockouts.

He says in an interview Thursday that he met with psychologists before making his announcement and adds he has the full support of his family, trainer and manager.

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