Professional featherweight boxer Orlando Cruz (ranked fourth in the world) stunned a lot of of people when he came out as a gay man a few weeks ago. Last night he faced his first post coming out boxing match against Jorge Pazos. The fight took place in Kissimmee, Florida in front of a strongly supportive crowd. Said Cruz, speaking to ESPN.com's LZ Granderson: "I was very happy that they respect me. That's what I want -- them to see me as a boxer, as an athlete and as a man in every sense of the word."
Below is his full post match interview with Granderson, as well as a number of photos from the match.
Congrats to Cruz!
More photos from the bout against Jorge Pazos...
All photos via Getty
