By Ronnie Nathanielsz

Top Rank promoter Bob Arum insists the third encounter between eight division world champion Manny Pacquiao and Timothy “Desert Storm” Bradley, scheduled for the MGM Grand Garden Arena on April 9, won’t be postponed because of the supposed backlash from members of the gay community who ranted against Pacquiao for his statements where the Filipino star stated that he was against same-sex marriages and also said such individuals were worse than animals.

In an interview with ABS-CBN sports consultant Peter Musgni on his program “Teka Muna” over dzMMTeleradyo on Saturday evening, Arum said “the fight won’t be postponed” claiming “there is tremendous  interest in the fight and many people will buy (the pay per view) because it’s a good fight.”

Arum, who initially said he supported the decision of Nike to withdraw from its contract with Pacquiao because of his remarks which he termed “reprehensible” - seems to have had a change of heart after Filipinos rallied around Pacquiao and said they agreed with his position on same-sex marriages.

Arum also pointed out that there were "many people in the US who believe what Manny said."

He said Pacquiao was “entitled to say he was against same-sex marriages that is his religious belief and while people may disagree with it, he is entitled to say it.”

The Top Rank promoter told Musngi that he doesn’t share Manny’s position but "will defend to death his right to say it."

Arum indicated that when Pacquiao goes to Los Angeles to continue training under Freddie Roach at the Wild Card Gym in a couple of weeks, he will “sit with him and talk to him”  in an effort to counsel the boxer.