Pacquiao respects Nike's decision, looks for new sponsor

 

Team Pacquiao now looking for new apparel sponsor

GENERAL SANTOS CITY, Philippines – Filipino boxer Manny Pacquiao on Thursday addressed the controversy regarding his statements on same-sex marriage for the final time, reiterating that he has never condemned members of the LGBT community.

"Inuulit ko, hinid ko kino-condemn 'yung mga LGBT," Pacquiao said on Thursday morning in General Santos City during his training session. "Ang kino-condemn ko, I just want to clarify this, 'yung paggawa ng masama ang kino-condemn ko."

The boxer insisted that he is not worried about the impact of his controversy on his campaign for a Senate seat, even as prominent members of LGBT community have declared that they will not support him in the 2016 elections.

"Hindi man ako nababahala sa kung ano 'yong katotohanan," he said. "As I establish my leadership, you need to be firm on your own decision kung ano ang tama."

Pacquiao also said he respects the decision of sports apparel giant Nike to terminate its contract with him in the wake of his controversial statements.

Team Pacquiao is now looking for a new sponsor apparel for the boxer.

"Kung ano man 'yong decision nila, desisyon nila 'yon, nirerespeto ko at saka ang pag-sponsor nila sa akin, 'yong mga damit lang man para sa fight," he said.

In the meantime, Pacquiao said he will now focus his attention on his training for his April 9 fight against Timothy Bradley Jr. The "Pacman" has been joined by chief trainer Freddie Roach for his training camp for what will be the last fight of his career.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com