By Miguel Rivera

Puerto Rico's Orlando 'The Phenomenon' Cruz will not rest until he completes his biggest goal -  to become the first gay world champion in professional boxing.

The step that could precede the world championship test could be his upcoming commitment on October 7 in Tampa, Florida.

The current super featherweight champion of the NABO, a subsidiary of the World Boxing Organization (WBO), put in the finishing touches to his preparation for his bout next week where he will face Mexican Luis Sanchez in the main event of a card presented by the company All Star Boxing.

Cruz, 35, and record of 24-4-1 and 12 KO's, is coming off  stoppage win over fellow Mexican Alejandro Valdez this past July in Kissimmee.

The former Puerto Rican Olympian hopes to achieve a victory in this next engagement, and then head to a fight in early 2017 against dangerous Mexican and the current interim-champion of the World Boxing Organization at 130 pounds, Miguel 'The Scorpion' Berchelt.

"We are working hard for this fight and hope to do well. We are facing Berchelt in January or February for the interim world title. But I have an excellent team and we have no hurry to get to that point. We are at the time of assimilating weight and going step by step," said Cruz to El Vocero.

"At 35 years old - I feel great. I know my opponent will come to fight, but I am prepared and ready for victory and then to be crowned world champion. I'm focused on becoming the only gay world champion in boxing history."

Cruz has given his help to numerous young prospects such as the unbeaten bantamweight Emmanuel 'Manny' Rodríguez.