Nike cuts ties with Pacquiao after gay comments

Nike has terminated its contract with Manny Pacquiao after the six-weight world champion made derogatory remarks toward same-sex couples, describing them as “worse than animals”.

“We find Manny Pacquiao’s comments abhorrent,” Nike said in a statement on Wednesday.

“Nike strongly opposes discrimination of any kind and has a long history of supporting and standing up for the rights of the LGBT community.”

The Filipino boxer, who is running for a senate seat in his native Phillipines in May, later apologised for his comments within hours.

“I’m sorry for hurting people by comparing homosexuals to animals,” Pacquiao tweeted. “Please forgive me for those I hurt. God bless!”

Pacquiao has endorsed Nike for a little more than eight years.

Manny Pacquiao has been defeated six times in 65 professional fights, is due to fight American Timothy Bradley on April 9. which is expected to be his last fight.