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Boxing

18th Feb 2016

Manny Pacquiao responds to being dropped by Nike over homophobic comments

Pacman sticking to his guns

Ben Kiely

Manny Pacquiao respects Nike’s decision to cut ties with him, but he is not changing his mind on the issue of same-sex marriage.

The American sportswear behemoths announced on Wednesday that they would no longer be doing business with the legendary pugilist, labeling his comments on homosexuality “abhorrent.”

Pacquiao gave his responded to the news while on break from training ahead of his bout with Timothy Bradley in Las Vegas, as Sport 24 reports.

“Whatever decision Nike makes is its decision and I respect that and its sponsorship of me now only involves my clothes for my fight.”

“Our contract has already ended aside from sponsoring the boxing.”

HOLLYWOOD, CA - OCTOBER 26:  Manny Pacquia laughs during a Media Workout promoting his upcoming fight with Juan Manuel Marquez at Wild Card Boxing Club on October 26, 2011 in Hollywood, California.  (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)

Pacquiao then reiterated his stance, claiming that he has no issue with the LGBT community, and that he only condemned the act. He admitted that he did not regret speaking what he claimed was “the truth” and even expressed his happiness at some of the reaction to his comments.

“I am not condemning the LGBT. What I am condemning is the act.”

“I’m happier because I’m telling the truth. It’s worse if we will hide the truth. I’m happier that a lot of people were alarmed by the truth.”

https://twitter.com/mannypacquiao/status/699549902825590785?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw