Puerto Rican boxer Orlando Cruz 'proud to be gay'

Puerto Rica's Orlando Cruz has announced to the boxing world that he is a "proud gay man" and hopes to inspire young fighters coming through the sport.

The 31-year-old, who is ranked fourth out of the best featherweights in the world, confirmed his sexuality by releasing a statement to the Boxing Scene website.

"As I continue my ascendant career, I want to be true to myself," said Cruz. "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 become the first boxer that is still competing in the ring to publicly come out as gay.