Terry Flanagan retains title ending Orlando Cruz's dream

British boxer, Terry Flanagan, successfully defended his title as WBO lightweight champion in Cardiff on Saturday night. Puerto Rican Orlando Cruz had hoped to make history as the first openly gay boxing champion to hold the title.

Orlando Cruz (left) and Terry Flanagan pose during the weigh in for the world lightweight boxing title match. John Sibley/Reuters

Cruz had fought nine professional bouts since publicly revealing his sexuality in 2012 and hoped his example may encourage anyone else wishing to come out.

Saturday's match was Cruz's first as a lightweight after he previously lost a world featherweight title fight against Orlando Salido in Las Vegas in October 2013.

But Flanagan triumphed as he made a fourth successful defence of the crown he first wore in July last year, stopping his rival in the eighth round after controlling the show from start to finish.

The bout was a slow burner before Flanagan found his range after three rounds as Cruz began to flag, taking more and more punches.

A right-hander dropped him to the floor in the eighth and referee Steve Gray stopped the contest.

"I want to inspire the gay community by becoming a world champion on Saturday," Cruz said before the match.

"Everyone has been very supportive since I came out. I have the support of my family, friends and fans. When I look at my story, it makes me hopeful that more people will be inspired to come out."

For Cruz, his loss was his fifth in 31 bouts, but for Flanagan, the bout was his 32nd win.