NIKE will no longer sponsor Manny Pacquiao. The Filipino star is one of the most famous names in boxing, his 2015 clash with Floyd Mayweather was the most lucrative fight of all time. But he caused controversy when he likened gay people to animals this week. Pacquiao apologised subsequently but Nike, one of the biggest brands in global sport, has terminated its relationship with him.
“We find Manny Pacquiao’s comments abhorrent. Nike strongly opposes discrimination of any kind and has a long history of supporting and standing up for the rights of the LGBT community,” said a Nike spokesperson. “We no longer have a relationship with Manny Pacquiao.”
Pacquiao is currently training in the Philippines for his April 9 fight with Tim Bradley. It will be the third time the two have boxed and Pacquiao has previously insisted it will be the last fight of his career, before he concentrates on on politics running for the Senate in his homeland.
