Orlando Cruz, a top-ranked featherweight from Puerto Rico, has announced that he is “a proud gay man,” making him the first openly gay fighter in boxing history. Cruz issued a press release confirming his sexual orientation.

“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. “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 (18-2-1, 9 KOs) was on the same Puerto Rican 2000 Olympic team as Miguel Cotto and Ivan Calderon. He made his professional debut on Dec. 15, 2000. His next fight is scheduled for October 19 at the Kissimmee Civic Center in Kissimmee, Fla., where he will defend his WBO NABO title against Jorge Pazos. A win against Pazos could position Cruz for a world title shot.