By Jhonny Gonzalez

Former world champion Miguel Cotto congratulated his colleague, featherweight contender Orlando 'The Phenomenon' Cruz, for publicly announcing that he is gay. When they were amateurs, Cotto and Cruz represented Puerto Rico side by side. Cotto, recognized as the biggest boxing attraction in the country, voiced his support for Cruz.

"For many years Orlandito and I spent time together on the national team of Puerto Rico. We went to the Central [games], Pan American [games], World Championships, Olympics ... I have a great appreciation for Orlandito. I congratulate him," Cotto stated during a radio interview in Puerto Rico.

"Orlandito is my friend. I'm sure it wasn't easy for him [to make that announcement], but I congratulate him. From this point forward he will see that his life will change a lot and things will be much better for him."