Clan-Members » ak and the 18-year-old Passlack tested Neue

Becoming a world champion for the first time isnt the only motivation driving Orlando Cruz ahead of his WBO lightweight title fight on Saturday.The Puerto Rican boxer wants to change perceptions, too.I want to quieten the homophobic people talking bad to the LGBT community, Cruz told The Associated Press. I want it more for all the gay athletes in the world.In 2012, Cruz became the first professional boxer to come out as openly homosexual while competing. Initially, he had reservations about making the announcement, considering the macho nature of his sport, but it turned out to be a good decision.Its just been support, support, support, Cruz said about the reaction of the boxing community -- fighters and fans -- toward him over the last four years.All the boxers respect my life, my decision. When Orlando Cruz walks into the ring, Orlando Cruz is separate from my sexual orientation. Orlando Cruz is a professional boxer.Cruz has fought nine times since coming out, one of which was against Mexican boxer Orlando Salido for the WBO featherweight title in 2013. Wearing rainbow-colored shorts to show his support for the gay community, Cruz was stopped in the seventh round.In the past year, he was won four straight fights, collecting continental titles at super featherweight. Now he gets his second shot at a world title in Cardiff, Wales, this weekend, when the 35-year-old Cruz moves up to the lightweight division to fight Terry Flanagan, an undefeated British boxer.When the fight was announced, Cruz spoke of his determination to become the first openly gay world champion.Its a big moment for me, a big moment for my community, a big moment for my country, Puerto Rico, Cruz told the AP in a telephone interview from Cardiff.I want that other (gay) athletes are not scared to walk into the society. Dont be scared. Be happy with your life, and happy with your decision. All people are the same.It will be Cruzs first fight in Europe and he is looking forward to experiencing what is usually an intense atmosphere at the Motorpoint Arena. Cruz, nicknamed El Fenomeno, said he wasnt expecting any hostility toward him from outside the ring.His biggest concern should be Flanagan.The Manchester-born fighter is making the fourth defense of his title since becoming world champion in July last year. He is unbeaten in 31 fights.Hes not tougher, hes just different, Cruz said. My real weight is 130 pounds, so Ive upped by five pounds. Ive trained to get stronger and run more. On Saturday, I need to walk into the ring strong.Cruz believes it is his time. He said he has more mentality, more focus and is comfortable with his life. In February, he married his partner, Jose Manuel Colon, who will watching on TV from their home in Puerto Rico.Its my dream, Cruz said. Its my moment. Custom Angels T-shirts .Y. -- Knicks coach Mike Woodson said Wednesday that J. 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BERLIN -- Bayern Munich defeated Borussia Dortmund 2-0 in the German Super Cup to get new coach Carlo Ancelotti off to a winning start Sunday.Arturo Vidal and Thomas Mueller scored in the second half after Dortmund, which had dominated the game at home in its Westfalenstadion, wasted several chances to score.It was difficult, Ancelotti said after his first competitive game in charge. Dortmund played well in the first half, the second went better for us.Bayern had lost on its last three Super Cup appearances. Ancelottis predecessor Pep Guardiola failed to win the title.The team is already very, very strong, said Ancelotti, who was without player of the year Jerome Boateng, new signing Renato Sanches and Dutch forward Arjen Robben.The early chances Sunday fell to Dortmunds Shinji Kagawa and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. Aubameyang found himself alone in front of Bayern goalkeeper Manuel Neuer but Javi Martinez got back with a last-ditch tackle.Bayern winger Franck Ribery seemed lucky to stay on the pitch after lashing out at Felix Passlack, who had been fouling him. Despite appearing to strike the Dortmund player in the face, Ribery was shown a yellow card, as was PPasslack.ddddddddddddNew signing Ousmane Dembele twice went close for Dortmund and Adrian Ramos drew a save from Neuer, before Vidal saw a fine reflex save from Roman Buerki at the other end. Vidal fired the rebound over from one meter in Bayerns best chance up to then.Buerki denied Robert Lewandowski before the break and the 18-year-old Passlack tested Neuer after it, before Dembele again called the Germany `keeper into action.Dortmund were made to rue the missed chances when Vidal broke the deadlock in the 58th minute, tucking away the rebound after Buerki saved his first effort.Mueller sealed the result from close range in the 79th after former Dortmund captain Mats Hummels headed on a corner. Hummels was playing his first game back in Dortmund since his summer switch between the sides and was the subject of whistles from the home fans every time he touched the ball.I expected that, the Germany defender said.The Super Cup is between the league and cup winners. As Bayern won both last season, Dortmund qualified as league runner-up. ' ' '