MANNY PACQUIAO appears to be losing the confidence of his television network. Although they will still show his next fight, HBO has moved to distance itself from the Filipino star. The network condemned Manny Pacquiao’s homophobic remarks, though HBO will still broadcast his April 9 pay-per-view contest with Tim Bradley.
“Next month Manny Pacquiao and Timothy Bradley are scheduled to meet in a pay-per-view bout. We have an obligation to both fighters and, therefore, will proceed to produce and distribute that event,” HBO said in a statement, as reported by USA Today.
“However, we felt it important to leave no uncertainty about our position on Mr. Pacquiao’s recent comments toward the LGBTQ community. We consider them insensitive, offensive and deplorable.
“HBO has been a proud home to many LGBTQ stories and couldn’t approach this event without clearly voicing our opinion.”
Pacquiao likened gay couples to animals. He subsequently apologised but sponsor Nike promptly dropped him. Pacquiao has said April 9 will be his last fight before he retires to focus on his political career in the Philippines.
Premier Sports will screen Pacquiao versus Bradley in the UK on April 9. Click HERE for more
