By TMZ

Former heavyweight champion Evander Holyfield told a housemate on UK Celebrity Big Brother last night being gay is no different than being handicapped ... because a doctor can fix both.

Holyfield pulled the Phil Robertson like move during his first week in the BB house Sunday when Luisa Zissman asked him if there were any gay boxers.

Holyfield stutters while trying to answer her ... but when Luisa says being gay is normal -- Evander quickly disagrees and tries to explain why it's not only a choice, but compares homosexuality to having a disability and says doctors can fix it.

The Apprentice runner-up Zissman told Holyfield: "I think it's really bad that no one stands up and says it in the sports industry."

Holyfield, 51, asked her: "What would be good about it?"

Then Zissman replied "I think it's good to be open like that because it's normal."

Holyfield said: "But that ain't normal. The Bible lets you know there's wrong, there's right".

Zissman, 26, said: "That's just the way some people are born."
Holyfield replied: "It don't make no difference. If you're born and your leg were turned this way, what do you do? You go to a doctor and get it fixed back right."

She repeatedly urged the retired boxer to change the subject, telling him: "I don't think this is an appropriate conversation to have in this house.

Despite Holyfield's personal beliefs ... beliefs shared by many people around the world ... Big Brother producers tried to impose morality on him, scolding him for sharing his beliefs and telling him he offended many people.

Holyfield never apologizes and explains he was just trying to share his opinion.