GAY BOXER LOSES TITLE FIGHT

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Orlando Cruz

Orlando Cruz

Orlando Cruz, the word’s first openly gay professional boxer, failed to win the featherweight world title on Saturday night.

Cruz was knocked out by Mexican opponent Orlando Salido in the seventh round of the fight in Las Vegas, reported ESPN.

The Puerto Rican boxer proudly wore rainbow shorts and pink gloves and his supporters waved rainbow flags during the bout.

If he had won he would have become the first openly gay man to win a world boxing title.

Before the fight, Cruz spoke to The Guardian about his adversary: “He’s professional with me but Mexicans often have something homophobic in them. It’s the machismo culture. He won’t want to lose to a gay man”

After winning the title Salido described Cruz as “a good, strong fighter” and said, “He will be back”.

Despite the loss, the 32-year-old will no doubt remain a hero for many in the LGBT community.

Cruz came out as a “proud gay man” to massive worldwide attention in October last year saying that he wanted to be a role model to young people. He went on to win two fights ahead of Saturday’s contest.

In August, Cruz became engaged after he proposed to long-time boyfriend José Manuelvia on Facebook.

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