Boxing great Manny Pacquiao is a classic case study of life turning like a wheel. The famous Filipino boxer, who came from humble beginnings and rose to world fame through his boxing skills, sat briefly on top of the world even after his highly controversial match with Floyd Mayweather Jr.
However, Pacquiao recently descended to depths image-wise.The boxing champion came under fire after he opened up on a stand that offended the LGBT community and their supporters.
According to The Washington Post, Nike's decision to end their endorsement contract with Manny Pacquiao has been applauded by Magic Johnson. The former Lakers player himself expressed his condemnation of Manny Pacquiao's stand.
"Fans of all walks of life including gay fans supported May/Pac fight putting $100M in his pocket. I guess to him their money is still green," Magic Johnson said. "I won't be watching another one of Manny Pacquiao's fights."
Also deftly avoiding public backlash are Nestle and Wonderful Pistachios, who both rode on Pacquiao's fame until recent events, made individual statements. Nestle and Wonderful Pistachios made clear that the international athlete is no longer affiliated with them.
Yahoo! says that Pacquiao's promoter, Bob Arum, was quick to clarify that he does not support Pacquiao's personal stand. Speaking of Pacquiao's April 9 face-off with Timothy Bradley, Arum said that he is promoting a match, not a politician.
A video posted by Manny Pacquiao (@mannypacquiao) on Feb 16, 2016 at 2:35am PST
Gossip Cop reported that Pacquiao, who is a member of the Philippine Congress, issued a clarification that his words and stand are against the act of homosexual mating and not against homosexuals themselves. Despite the obvious financial loss, Pacquiao maintained his stand against same-sex marriage.
"Please forgive me for those I've hurt. I still stand on my belief that I'm against same sex marriage because of what the Bible says, but I'm not condemning LGBT," Pacquiao wrote on social media. "I love you all with the love of the Lord. God Bless you all and I'm praying for you."
Other world class athletes in the boxing industry who recently came under fire for public homosexual comments are fellow world champions Evander Holyfield and Tyson Fury.
What can you say about Manny Pacquiao's statements against same-sex marriage? Do you agree with him? Share your thoughts with us in the comment section below.
