Boxing News 2016: Pacquiao Undaunted By Batista, Magic Johnson Reactions; Pacman Fans Burn Nike Shoes As Protest
Eight division world champion Manny Pacquiao is not bothered by the untoward reactions from WWE superstar Batista and NBA great Earvin "Magic" Johnson regarding his comments on same-sex marriage.
Pacquiao's strong opposition of same-sex marriage prompted many people, particularly from the LGBT community to condemn the Filipino boxing superstar. Most recently, some of the most renowned sports figures, particularly Johnson and Batista have aired out their sentiments.
Batista called Pacquiao a "f****** idiot," saying that those comments do not sit well with him if said to his mother, whom he says is a lesbian.
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Johnson, on the other hand, has promised to boycott all of Pacquiao's future fights. Nike, who has been Pacquiao's apparel sponsor for many years now, has also cut ties with the boxer after the scandal broke out.
In a report by Edward Chaykovsky for Boxingscene, Pacquiao says he is perfectly fine, despite the hatred against him.
"I'm not bothered, that's the world," he said. "I mean, Jesus lives in me so I'm always happy. Says the Bible, everyday has enough troubles of its own, so don't be bothered about that."
Meanwhile, some of "Pacman's" fans decided to stand behind their hero by burning some pairs of Nike shoes as a sign of protest.
In a report by Ronnie Nathanielsz for Boxingscene, some fans from Cebu City in the Philippines came together at the parking lot of the Cebu Coliseum where the burning took place. A video of the event was said to have been released.
According to one of the men who took part in the burning of the shoes, there is no hatred in their group towards the LGBT community. Rather the burning was to show their group's support for Manny and their opposition to gay marriage, saying "it is not right."
Pacquiao, who is currently a Congressman in the Sarangani Province in Mindanao, is running for a Senatorial seat at the 2016 May elections. He will be fighting his 66th and final fight against Timothy Bradley on April 9th in Las Vegas.
