Manny Pacquiao (Photo : Robert Beck /Sports Illustrated/Getty Images) (Set Number: X159559 TK1 ))
As if Manny Pacquiao didn't have enough problems trying to sell Pacquiao-Bradley 3.
The Filipino superstar came under fire with the general population recently after controversial comments he made regarding his religious views on gay marriage were made public.
Although the ideology wasn't the problem at root, Pacquiao is of course entitled to his own beliefs, it was the way he delivered the message that people took issue with, referring to gays as "worse than animals."
Pacquiao, a devout Christian, is openly against gay marriage and often cites Bible verses to back his beliefs. A lot of people were appalled at Pacquiao's sentiments, including some of his most avid supporters.
Pacquiao (57-6-2, 38 KO's) is scheduled to face Timothy "The Desert Storm" Bradley (33-1-1, 13 KO's) at the MGM Grand of Las Vegas on April 9 in a rubber match. The two have split their series at one win apiece however most observers credit Pacquiao for winning both fights quite handily.
When Pacquiao-Bradley 3 was initially announced, Pacquiao was lambasted for choosing Bradley as an opponent, having already dominated the American twice before. No one asked for the fight, and a lot of fans were turned off by the announcement.
Pay-per-view sales and live gate for the fight was already expected to struggle, and in light of the recent backlash due to Pacquiao's comments on homosexuality, it is now projected to do even worse than originally forecasted.
Despite a guaranteed purse upwards of $20-million, Pacquiao is still obligated to promote the fight to maximize profit, but that would be difficult at this point, given the circumstances. If people already gave little attention to Pacquiao-Bradley 3, they surely care even less now.
Nike, one of Pacquiao's multi-million dollar sponsors, announced earlier today their motion to terminate their contract with Pacquiao in light of the statements he has made, adding yet another item to the long list of distractions in training camp.
Despite the recent developments, Pacquiao resumed training today, 18 February, at his gym in General Santos City.
How this will affect Pacquiao's performance against Bradley in April, only time will tell.
