Pacquiao says he respects Nike’s decision to cut off ties with him

Boxing icon and Sarangani Rep. Manny Pacquiao on Thursday  morning said he respects Nike's decision to cut its relationship with him after he made controversial comments regarding homosexuals. 

"Ang Nike kung anuman decision nila, desisyon nila 'yon at nirerespeto ko," Pacquiao said, as tweeted by GMA News' Mav Gonzales.

Pacquiao clarified however that his contract with Nike is for clothing sponsorship. It was not an endorsement deal.

The boxing champ said they are in talks for a deal with a possible clothing sponsor.

In spite of the controversy, Pacquiao said he remains upbeat and thanked supporters for their prayers.

Pacquiao remains upbeat amidst controversy: Focused kami sa training. Kailangan maganda yung pagkapanalo natin. Salamat sa suporta at dasal.

— Mav Gonzales (@mavgonzales) February 18, 2016

Pacquiao found himself in hot water after he said in a television interview that common sense shows animals don't engage in sex with the same gender.

"Common sense lang," he said. "Makakita ka ba ng any animals na lalake sa lalake o babae sa babae?"

"Mas mabuti pa 'yung hayop, marunong kumikilala kung [lalake o babae], 'di ba? Ngayon, kung lalake sa lalake o babae sa babae—mas masahol pa sa hayop ang tao," he added.

He later apologized after receiving backlash here and abroad, but said he remained firm on his stand against same-sex marriage. Pacquiao is a born again Christian and adheres to the teachings of the Bible.

Bob Arum, Pacquiao's promoter, told TMZ Sports on Thursday morning (PHL time) that Nike's decision to drop the boxer was "appropriate." —KG, GMA News