- Title: USA: Puerto Rico's Orlando Cruz prepares to face his opponent Jorge Pazos
- Date: 18th October 2012
- Summary: KISSIMMEE, FLORIDA, UNITED STATES (OCTOBER 17, 2012) (REUTERS) VARIOUS OF ORLANDO CRUZ, FEATHERWEIGHT BOXER DURING HIS TRAINING IN THE RING FOR HIS UPCOMING FIGHT AGAINST JORGE PAZOS (SOUNDBITE) (Spanish) ORLANDO CRUZ, FEATHERWEIGHT BOXER, SAYING: "It's been a long time since I've been dealing with this - twelve years. I moved to New York four years ago where I underwent
- Embargoed: 2nd November 2012 12:00
- Keywords:
- Location: Usa
- Country: USA
- Topics: Sports
- Reuters ID: LVA3D6LZHWVN4J46G3Z5CXRO1PM6
- Story Text: Latin Featherweight boxing champion, Orlando Cruz, likes to mix his training sessions with bit of salsa dancing.
The World Boxing Organization (WBO) champ, who is ranked 4th in his division and recently admitted to being homosexual, is in his final days of preparation ahead of his big fight with challenger Mexican Jorge Pazos.
Becoming the first openly gay boxer has made history in the sport and captured headlines around the world.
Cruz said it was a difficult and long journey to reach the decision to finally tell his truth.
"It's been a long time since I've been dealing with this - twelve years. I moved to New York four years ago where I underwent psychological therapy with professionals to mentally and physically prepare for this step so important in my life and I'm very happy. The only thing I want is to be respected. I'm an athlete. I'm a professional and my personal life should not matter to anyone," he said.
The Puerto Rican boxer said he initially had anxiety about how his fans would react because boxing is considered such a macho sport, but the support back home and from fans around the world left him a bit stunned.
Cruz said he began boxing at the age of seven after watching Mohammed Ali, his idol in the boxing world and a former boxer he often compares himself with today.
"Mohammed Ali. I am similar, we have the same motion in the ring - the same move and the same show. This is my ring! It's my show! It's my time! That's Mohammed Ali. I love him."
A quieter boxer, Mexico's Jorge Pazos, will challenge Cruz's record (18-2-1, 9 Kos) in a bit for his belt on October 19th at the Kissimmee Civic Center in Florida.
Pazos (20-4, 13 Kos) a little known fighter even in his own country Mexico said he was prepared to face the confident Cruz and admitted the battle for the belt would not be easy.
"He has a difficult style, but that's precisely why I've been training. Training to his style of fighting. It is difficult, but that's why we train."
It's one of the most important fights of Cruz's career. If he beats Jorge Pazos, he could be one step away from becoming world champion.
When asked about the recent announcement about Cruz sexual orientation, Pazos said it does not concern him nor does it affect the fight.
"I don't care because that's something personal. I know he's a great boxer in the ring so that's what I'm focused on," said Pazos.
Cruz said he plans to beat Pazos without much difficulty adding that he is very "hungry and thirsty" for the world title and he can "smell" his victory already. - Copyright Holder: REUTERS
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