Pacquiao says he respects Nike's decision to end sponsor deal
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Manila - Philippines' boxing icon and congressman Manny Pacquiao on Thursday said he respected Nike's decision to terminate their sponsorship deal after he made controversial comments on homosexuals.
"Whatever Nike's decision is, it's their decision and I respect that," Pacquiao told broadcaster GMA News.
Pacquiao was under fire in the Philippines and abroad after he said in a local television interview that common sense shows animals don't engage in sex with the same gender. He said homosexuals were "worse than animals."
Pacquiao on Tuesday apologised for his comments.
"I'm sorry for hurting people by comparing homosexuals to animals. Please forgive me for those I've hurt. God Bless!" he posted on his Twitter timeline.
Nike in a statement on Wednesday said it found Pacquiao's comments "abhorrent" and was ending the sponsorship contract.
Pacquiao meanwhile said he remained upbeat for his forthcoming fight with Timothy Bradley of the United States in April and thanked supporters for their prayers.
"We are focused on the training. My victory should be good. Thank you for the support and prayers," he told GMA.
- DPA
