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. Demarcus Walker Jersey . 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Cuban testified Thursday that he was upset when the companys CEO told him news that would reduce the value of his shares, for which hed paid $7.5 million. But he said he did nothing improper when he sold those shares over the next two days. In dominant fashion, Japans Yuta Abadango Kawamura tore through his Smash 4 bracket to win the inaugural Clutch City Clash in Houston, Texas.Using a combination of his Mewtwo and Meta Knight, Abadango ran into few obstacles, taking set after set dropping only one game in top eight. His aggressive play style cornered many of his opponents, making approaches difficult.Last month Abadango placed fifth at the Evolution Championship, being sent to losers by Elliot Ally Carroza-Oyarce. I was waiting for Ally in Grand Finals, but [Jamaal Samsora Morris Jr] did really well, said Abadango. In a major upset, Ally, who won Evolution 2016, was eliminated from tournament by the relatively unknown Samsora.Abadangos Meta Knight then had to fight against Samsoras Peach in grand finals. Abadango knew he had the advantage. Not only was he sitting in winners bracket, he had sent Samsora to losers earlier. The Meta Knight/Peach matchup is so bad for Peach, so I could win more easily, said Abadango. If it was best of three, Peach could win, but if it was best of five, it would become difficult to win over Meta Knight.Not only that, Abadango has quite a bit of match experience. He practices regularly with Shimizu Umeki Masaki, who many consider to be the best Peach player in the world.The grand finals set brought the audience back to their Super Smash Bros. Brawl days, the third game in the franchise. In that game, Meta Knight was an incredibly dominant character, being able to kill opponents with one strong combo.In Smash Wii U, Abadango says Metaa has a zero-to-death combo.dddddddddddd.. if I have 100% [damage] I can zero-to-death. What Abadango is referring to is a game mechanic called rage, which gives a small power boost to characters at high percentages. And since Peach is a floaty character, she can [also] be back-aired to death. Abadango was consistently pulling off these infinite combos, sending Samsora to the blast zone almost every time.Abadango has been touring heavily, placing high and multiple tournaments. He has placed first at six tournaments this year, and within the top eight at another six. Because of Japans strict laws prohibiting prize money from being distributed at tournament, it is difficult for many Japanese esports athletes to make it full time without travelling. Luckily, Abadango has become such a fan favorite that many events have been flying him out.But because of the constant travel between Japan and the rest of the world, practice has been difficult. For Clutch City Clash, Abadango laments he still felt underprepared.I couldnt practice enough to be honest because I had a report for school, said the champion. Abadango is currently a graduate student studying information technology, making his international feats all the more impressive.Next weeks Super Smash Con will be Abadangos next, and possibly last, US event for the year. He will then compete at Umebura next month, a major Smash Wii U tournament in Japan. 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