Manny Pacquiao (Photo : AFP/Getty Images)
Manny Pacquiao has been at the center of controversy after his anti-gay remarks that caused flak on social media and drew criticism from sports personalities. But the Filipino boxing icon is unfazed by the criticisms as he focuses on preparing for his fight against Timothy Bradley.
Pacquiao earned heavy criticisms from the likes of former WWE superstar Dave Bautista and Los Angeles Lakers great Magic Johnson over the Filipino's anti-gay rhetoric that compared members of the LGBT community as "worse than animals."
But the former eight-division titlist is unfazed by the reproaches as he prepares in his hometown General Santos City for the final fight of his illustrious boxing career.
"I'm not bothered, that's the world," Pacquiao told Boxing Scene. "I mean, Jesus lives in me so I'm always happy. Says the Bible, every day has enough troubles of its own, so don't be bothered about that."
Meanwhile, there were reports that Pacquiao should postpone his bout against Bradley or risk getting disqualified in his bid for a senatorial seat in the Philippines' upcoming national elections in May.
According to Filipino politician Walden Bello, Pacquiao should move the Pacquiao-Bradley III fight after May 9 as staging the bout prior to the elections would give the Filipino boxing icon "tremendous advantage" over other candidates because of massive media attention.
"This globally and nationally televised fight a month before the elections would mean hours and hours of coverage before, during and after the fight," Bello said in a statement, reports Rappler.
"This media attention, supplemented by national pay-per-view television coverage during the fight, would be massive free advertising."
While this and the anti-gay remarks poses a threat to the Pacquiao-Bradley III bout on Apr. 9, Top Rank Promotions boss Bob Arum assured that the fight will not be postponed because "there is tremendous interest in the fight and many people will buy [the pay-per-view] because it's a good fight."
Arum also shared his thoughts about Pacquiao's belief. And while the American promoter claimed he does not share the Filipino's views over same-sex marriage, Arum admitted he would "defend to death" Pacquiao's right to express his opinions.
