MANNY PACQUIAO rarely courts controversy. The genial ‘people’s champion’ tends to conduct himself benignly, outside of the ring that is, particularly bearing in mind his burgeoning political career in the Philippines. Quoted comparing gay couples to animals, he took to social media, his official, verified Twitter account to apologise.

“I’m sorry for hurting people by comparing homosexuals to animals. Please forgive me for those I’ve hurt. God Bless!” Pacquiao said.