Cruz's Trainer: Orlando Will Make History With Salido

By Rey Colon

Juan de Leon, the coach of Orlando 'The Phenomenon' Cruz (20-2-1 and 10 KO's), said his protege is two pounds away from the featherweight limit for his fight with former champion Orlando "Siri" Salido (39-12-2 and 27 KO's), who clash for the WBO featherweight crown at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, where Timothy Bradley (30-0, 12 KO's) will defend his WBO welterweight belt against the legendary Juan Manuel Marquez (55-6-1 and 40 KO's). Cruz is the first boxer who openly acknowledged his homosexuality and a title win over Salido would push him into the annals of sports history as the first openly gay champion.

"We are only two pounds away from the weight and we will not have any trouble making it. As for his physical condition, it is very good. Orlando can go forward and backward. He has very good movement and hits hard. When the time comes you have to fight, go to war. He is focused to make history. We're not going to trust [the talk of Salido being shot]. We are preparing for a young Salido, a hungry champion. We studied him very well and watching his fights with Juan Manuel Marquez and Juanma Lopez. We have worked with everything. We are prepared for all of his shots, including his right. He's come to apply pressure, to throw hooks and look for a knockout but Orlandito is ready and focused. We will make history," De Leon said.