Nike have taken the decision to end its contract with boxer Manny Pacquiao in the wake of comments he made about gay couples.

Pacquiao has since apologised for describing gay couples as “worse than animals” on local television in the Phillipines.

The sportswear giant has taken exception to his comments and have terminated their contract with the 37-year-old boxer, who has been a Nike athlete since 2005.

“We find Manny Pacquiao’s comments abhorrent,” a Nike statement said.

“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.”