Nike has severed its relationship with Manny Pacquiao after the boxer said that gay people are “worse than animals.”

Pacquiao, who is running for office in the Philippines, made the comments to a television station during a discussion same sex marriage.

“It’s just common sense,” Pacquiao told TV5 network. “Have you seen any animal having male-to-male or female-to-female relations?”

“Do you see animals mating with the same sex? Animals are better because they can distinguish male from female. If men mate with men and women mate with women, they are worse than animals.”

Pacquiao’s comments generated a torrent of criticism which elicited a semi-apology from the eight-time world boxing champ. “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,” the boxer posted on Facebook.

“I love you all with the love of the Lord. God Bless you all and I’m praying for you.”

Despite the apology, Nike confirmed it was terminating its relationship with Pacquiao yesterday. “We find Manny Pacquiao’s comments abhorrent,” said the sportswear giant in a statement.

“Nike strongly opposes discrimination of any kind and has a long history of supporting and standing up for the rights of the LGBT community.”

“We no longer have a relationship with Manny Pacquiao.” A search of Pacquiao’s name on Nike.com brings up an ‘error: 404’ message.