Pacquiao's remarks were criticized by several Filipino celebrities, and he responded by issuing an apology of sorts. In it, Pacquiao said he was still against same sex marriage but loved all people.
Arum told The Associated Press that Pacquiao is an evangelical Christian who believes that homosexuality is wrong, and that he was trying to win votes in the Philippines, where the issue of same sex marriage has not been decided.
"What he said is completely for home consumption for Filipinos wrestling with the question of legalizing same sex marriage," Arum said.
In addition to his campaign for the Senate, Pacquiao is currently training for the April 9 fight in Las Vegas against Bradley in what he says will be his last bout. Arum said he could lose some other fight sponsors because of the remarks.
Pacquiao has not fought since losing to Floyd Mayweather Jr. last May in the richest fight ever. Pacquiao reportedly made more than $100 million for the fight, and is guaranteed $20 million to fight Bradley.
Arum said he expects some people not to buy the fight on pay-per-view because of the comments, but that others might buy it because of them.
"Instead of promoting a fight with a fighter I'm promoting a fight with a politician," Arum said. "It's like of Donald Trump was a boxer and I was promoting Donald Trump when he was running for president. I would be killed by the media for all the stupid statements he is making."
It's not the first time Pacquiao has been involved in a furor over gay rights. In 2012 he was quoted as saying he was against same sex marriage because "It's the law of God" though he denied inferring that homosexuals should be put to death.
The eight-time champion is the Philippines' most famous person and the country's most popular athlete. He has represented the Sarangani province in the Philippines' House of Representatives since May 2010, though has drawn criticism for seldom showing up for legislative duties.
Polls in the Philippines show he is a strong contender for the Senate seat, which many believe will eventually lead him to seek the country's presidency.
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