By Miguel Rivera

Puerto Rican boxer Orlando Cruz has denied that he tried to cause controversy by leaking a photo which displayed his ring attire for Saturday's fight with Orlando Salido at the Thomas and Mack Center in Las Vegas. The fight, which is part of the Bradley-Marquez HBO Pay-Per-View, will have the vacant world featherweight belt of the World Boxing Organization (WBO) at stake.

On Wednesday, a photo hit the internet which displayed his ring outfit. The outfit displays the flag of Puerto Rico, mixed in with the colors of the rainbow - a symbol of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) pride. Earlier this year, Cruz made headlines by becoming the first openly gay boxer.

Puerto Rican fans reacted in a hostile manner when they saw the ring attire.

"I did not participate in any misconduct nor have I denied my homeland. If anyone is offended, I apologize. I'm not doing to neglect Puerto Rico and my flag. I never thought this would cause a stir and discomfort in Puerto Rico. I did not put that photo [on the internet]. I do not know how that picture came to the social networks. I feel calm, because I have Puerto Rico in my heart. I'm Puerto Rican, and I will fight on the 12th with my flag held high for my country," Cruz told Carlos Narvaez.