Manny Pacquiao "sorry" for comparing gay couples to animals, but 'stands by belief'

Eight-division world champion boxer Manny Pacquiao has apologised for claiming that gay couples are "worse than animals", but insists that he is against same-sex marriage.

The 37-year-old, who is running for a senate seat in his homeland the Philippines, caused outrage with the comments that he made during a local television interview.

Following the response, Pacquiao posted on Facebook: "I'm sorry for hurting people by comparing homosexuals to animals. 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. I love you all with the love of the Lord. God Bless you all and I'm praying for you."

Pacquiao won 57 of his 65 professional bouts in the ring.