Youtube » dThe first couple of matches were really trick

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. Salomon Shoes Outlet Canada . 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VIENNA -- Jo-Wilfried Tsonga saved a match point before beating Ivo Karlovic 5-7, 7-5, 7-6 (6) and setting up a final against top-seeded Andy Murray at the Erste Bank Open on Saturday.Murray advanced because defending champion David Ferrer pulled out with a left leg injury shortly before their semifinal.Tournament director Herwig Straka said Ferrer visited a private clinic, where doctors advised him not to play. Ferrer already looked hampered in Fridays quarterfinal, and he complained about muscle cramps after the 2 1/2-hour match against Serbias Viktor Troicki.The last two matches I had pain. Its too much to play now, the 19th-ranked Spaniard said.The ATP said it was only the second time in 1,024 career matches that Ferrer withdrew.He must be in quite a lot of pain, Murray said. Ill use today as a rest day, practice a little bit on the center court.Murray, who is 6-4 in finals this year, could set a personal best with a seventh tournament win in 2016. He leads Tsonga 12-3 in career meetings and has won the last four matches against the 15th-ranked Frenchman.The Scot, who is chasing his 42nd career title, is on a 13-match winning streak after winning back-to-back titles in Beijing and Shanghai. He won in Vienna on his only previous visit, in 2014.Im obviously motivated to trry and finish the season as strong as I can, Murray said.ddddddddddddThe first couple of matches were really tricky. But now that I get the chance to play for the title I hopefully play my best match in the final.In his first final of the year, Tsonga is aiming for his 13th career title. He won the event in 2011.I am really happy. When you win four matches in a row in that kind of tournament, it means that you play good tennis, Tsonga said.The eighth-seeded Karlovic used his only break point on Tsongas serve to take the opening set. He added an early break in the second but missed four more chances on the Frenchmans serve for a 5-2 lead, before losing 10 straight points and dropping his serve for a second time at 5-6.Tsonga went 4-2 up in the deciding set but lost his serve in the next game. He saved a match point for Karlovic at 6-5 in the tiebreaker before winning the next three points.It was a special match, Tsonga said. I was down one set and one break, then he gave me a break and I came back in the match. I just played more consistent and more aggressive.Karlovic, who won in Newport and Los Cabos, missed out on his fourth final of the season. ' ' '