Today In Gay History: Orlando Cruz Came Out As the First Openly Gay Bo

In 2012, star athlete Orlando Cruz became the first openly gay practicing boxer.

The announcement came in the form of a statement that was released exactly four years ago today.

"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," Cruz said. "I have always been and always will be a proud gay man."

The following year, Cruz married his boyfriend, Jose Manuel Colon in New York's Central Park. Since coming out, Cruz has become a vocal LGBTQ advocate.

At the time of his coming out, Cruz was the No. 4-ranked featherweight by the WBO. Cruz ran undefeated for a full nine years before his fight with Cornelius Lock by TKO in 2009.

In a recent interview with El Vocero, Cruz showed no plans of slowing down. He told the Puerto Rican paper about how he plans to make history yet again.

"At 35-years-old--I feel great. I know my opponent will come to fight but I am prepared and ready for victory and then to be crowned world champion. I'm focused on becoming the only gay world champion in boxing history."