World Latino Featherweight Champion Orlando Cruz has revealed that he is gay.

In a released statement, Cruz said he "has always been and always will be a proud, gay man."

"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."

Cruz is now the sport's first openly gay boxer.

The 30-year-old featherweight made his career debut at the 2000 Sydney Olympics representing Puerto Rico. That same year, he made his professional debut against Alfredo Valdez in Carolina, Puerto Rico.

Cruz has a professional record of 18-2-1 with nine knockouts.

Cruz's most recent fight in Feb. and successfully defended his title, winning by knockout in the eleventh assault. Cruz is scheduled to fight Oct. 19 in a WBO NABO title defense against Jorge Pazos in Kissimmee, Fla.