KISSIMMEE, FL --  Ortlando Cruz, who just last week announced he was a "Proud Gay Man" fights, Jorge Pazos on Friday, October 19 at the Kissimmee Civic Center.  Orlando and Jorge both wired out today at the Kissimmee Boxing Gym.

Cruz invited Orlando Telemundo Reporter Anna Jurka into the ring for some sparring.  She abliged.

Jorge Pazos

“I have to win whether he is gay or not.  But I don't think about that.  He made a decision and I respect him for it. That is outside the ring. It is different inside the ring”

Are you worried about losing to a gay man and going home to hecklers in Mexico?

“I don't think about that.  I can't think about that.  He is a good boxer, an Olympian.”

Orlando Cruz

“We're just 3 1/2 pounds over the weight limit. It's just a matter of sweating it out a bit here” (in the gym.  After the workout, Cruz was 2 lbs. over).

“I'm just anxious for Friday to get here and to hear the bell sound.”

“I do feel a little bit of pressure because of all of this (the media attention). The first few days were like a bucket of cold water (dumped over me). But it is something that I had to do. I'm not doing it for ratings. I answer all the questions now so that I can then concentrate on my (boxing) career, which is what's important for me.”

The fight, promoted by All Star Boxing Promotions, takes place on this Friday, October 19 at the Kissimmee Civic Center.  Tickets are priced $15 General Admission and $35 Ringside.  It will be broadcast live on Telemundo beginning at 11:35 PM ET/PT