Manny Pacquiao Loses Nike Sponsorship Amid Homophobia Scandal
Manny Pacquiao Loses Nike Sponsorship Amid Homophobia Scandal
All-time great Manny Pacquiao has found himself in hot water with his sponsor Nike after labeling homosexuals as "worse than animals."
By Roy Billington
Over the last few months, the world of fighting has became used to the constant stream of mainstream media criticism. The cause of most of the controversy in boxing in recent months has been the soundboard of stupidity, Tyson Fury, but this week it is a legend of the sport who finds himself in hot water.
Manny Pacquiao has had one of the most memorable careers in the history of the sport, winning titles in multiple divisions and competing in the biggest fight of all time, but the proud Filipino native has attracted a lot of negative attention this week. On Monday, a video surfaced of Pacquiao, who is currently running for a seat in the Philippine senate, being openly critical about homosexuality.
When asked about his thoughts on homosexuality in an interview with TV5, Pacquiao responded in bizarre fashion:
“It’s common sense,do you see animals mating with the same sex? Animals are better because they can distinguish male from female. If men mate with men and women mate with women they are worse than animals.”
Pacquiao, an evangelical christian, surprised a lot of his fans with his abhorrent views before later offering an apology of sorts:
[instagram url="https://www.instagram.com/p/BB1Nk83OdzT/?taken-by=mannypacquiao" hide_caption="0"]
Pacquiao’s bigotry did not go unnoticed however as today, one of the star’s biggest sponsors, Nike have decided to cancel their multimillion dollar contract. In a press release the company said:
"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 sports giant added: "We no longer have a relationship with Manny Pacquiao."
With Pacquiao's latest comments and Tyson Fury’s string of vile views many have began to question if homophobia is insidious among boxers, but well-known boxing promoter Frank Warren told the BBC that he felt that this was an isolated case:
"No matter what walk of life you come from there are bigots," said Warren. "I don't think it's a problem for boxing. In Tyson Fury's case I hope it was something he said on the spur of the moment. He regrets it. You can't condemn all of sport because of people's stupid remarks. They are two boxers out of many thousands of boxers.”
With the enormity of Pacquiao’s indiscretion it seems unimaginable that a major company will be willing to sponsor the fighter, which makes a come back to the ring much less of a possibility.
Manny Pacquiao last appeared in the ring against Floyd Mayweather in 2015, losing a one-sided decision. There has been rumors about a potential rematch between the pair , but right now it appears both intend to remain retired.
Over the last few months, the world of fighting has became used to the constant stream of mainstream media criticism. The cause of most of the controversy in boxing in recent months has been the soundboard of stupidity, Tyson Fury, but this week it is a legend of the sport who finds himself in hot water.
Manny Pacquiao has had one of the most memorable careers in the history of the sport, winning titles in multiple divisions and competing in the biggest fight of all time, but the proud Filipino native has attracted a lot of negative attention this week. On Monday, a video surfaced of Pacquiao, who is currently running for a seat in the Philippine senate, being openly critical about homosexuality.
When asked about his thoughts on homosexuality in an interview with TV5, Pacquiao responded in bizarre fashion:
“It’s common sense,do you see animals mating with the same sex? Animals are better because they can distinguish male from female. If men mate with men and women mate with women they are worse than animals.”
Pacquiao, an evangelical christian, surprised a lot of his fans with his abhorrent views before later offering an apology of sorts:
[instagram url="https://www.instagram.com/p/BB1Nk83OdzT/?taken-by=mannypacquiao" hide_caption="0"]
Pacquiao’s bigotry did not go unnoticed however as today, one of the star’s biggest sponsors, Nike have decided to cancel their multimillion dollar contract. In a press release the company said:
"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 sports giant added: "We no longer have a relationship with Manny Pacquiao."
With Pacquiao's latest comments and Tyson Fury’s string of vile views many have began to question if homophobia is insidious among boxers, but well-known boxing promoter Frank Warren told the BBC that he felt that this was an isolated case:
"No matter what walk of life you come from there are bigots," said Warren. "I don't think it's a problem for boxing. In Tyson Fury's case I hope it was something he said on the spur of the moment. He regrets it. You can't condemn all of sport because of people's stupid remarks. They are two boxers out of many thousands of boxers.”
With the enormity of Pacquiao’s indiscretion it seems unimaginable that a major company will be willing to sponsor the fighter, which makes a come back to the ring much less of a possibility.
Manny Pacquiao last appeared in the ring against Floyd Mayweather in 2015, losing a one-sided decision. There has been rumors about a potential rematch between the pair , but right now it appears both intend to remain retired.