Manny Pacquiao Reportedly Nearly Assaulted in California

Manny Pacquiao was nearly involved in an altercation Sunday outside of a Los Angeles restaurant when a man cursed at and attempted to get near the boxer.   

"I really thought he was going to hit [Pacquiao]. He came in fast. He almost got to [Pacquiao]," David Sisson, Pacquiao's personal assistant, told Abac Cordero of the Philippine Star.

Pacquiao, who is scheduled to fight Timothy Bradley in Las Vegas on Saturday, then reportedly ordered his handlers to let the man go without hurting him. 

It's unclear what led to the near-melee. Cordero's account of the events indicates Pacquiao was trying to get in his car when the man "rushed to him" and shouted "f--k you" as he was held back and then removed.

Police were not called to the scene, and it's unclear if they will be involved. The man's identity has not been released at this time, though Cordero reported the incident caused a "commotion" in the restaurant parking lot. 

Pacquiao has been an ongoing source of controversy throughout the boxing world, as he lost multiple endorsements for anti-gay statements. In an interview with Philippine television, Pacquiao said homosexuals were "worse than animals," though he later apologized.

“I’m sorry for hurting people by comparing homosexuals to animals,” Pacquiao said, per Liam Stack of the New York Times. “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. I love you all with the love of the Lord. God bless you all, and I’m praying for you.”

Nike called his remarks "abhorrent" when ending their long-term partnership. He's also drawn criticism from many LGBT groups and some within the fighting community. 

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