Orlando Cruz, who came out gay in 2012,
will dedicate a fight in Kissimmee, Florida to the Orlando victims.
The 35-year-old Cruz lost four friends
in last month's attack on a gay nightclub, the Pulse, that left 49
people dead and injured dozens more.
“At first, I was sad, “ Cruz told
the Orlando
Sentinel. “Second, angry. I am very angry because people
are homophobic, so they attacked my community. They attacked me.”
The bell at the card, appropriately
titled Tribute, will be rung 49 times and some survivors of the
attack and their families are expected to attend.
Cruz will debut special trunks.
“I want people to be more friendly,
that people accept the community of LGBT,” Cruz said. “The
people change their attitude, and the people love. People are the
same. Gay, straight, whatever.”