Manny Pacquiao has insisted that people have been "alarmed by the truth" following his controversial comments about homosexuality.
The Filipino boxer sparked outrage earlier this week when he described same-sex couples as "worse than animals" and was promptly dumped by his sponsor Nike, who called his remarks "abhorrent".
Speaking to reporters on Thursday, Pacquiao said that he respected the manufacturer's decision but reiterated his denouncement of the "act" of gay sex.
"Whatever decision Nike makes is its decision and I respect that and its sponsorship of me now only involves my clothes for my fight," he said. "Our contract has already ended aside from sponsoring the boxing.
"I am not condemning the LGBT. What I am condemning is the act. I'm happier because I'm telling the truth. It's worse if we will hide the truth. I'm happier that a lot of people were alarmed by the truth."
The 37-year-old, who identifies as an evangelical Christian, is due to face Timothy Bradley Jr at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas on April 9.
Neil Wilkes
