NBA legend Earvin "Magic" Johnson commended sports apparel giant Nike for its decision to end its ties with Manny Pacquiao following the Filipino boxer's controversial statements regarding same-sex marriage.

Pacquiao came under fire for comparing homosexuals to animals in an interview with TV5. On Thursday, Nike announced it is terminating its relationship with the boxer.

(READ: Nike drops Manny Pacquiao in wake of anti-gay statements)

On Twitter, Johnson, whose son Earvin III is openly gay, said: "I applaud Nike for terminating Manny Pacquiao's contract after his derogatory statements that gay people are worse than animals."

I applaud Nike for terminating Manny Pacquiao's contract after his derogatory statements that gay people are worse than animals.

— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) February 18, 2016

Fans of all walks of life including gay fans supported May/Pac fight putting $100M in his pocket. I guess to him their money is still green.

— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) February 18, 2016

"Fans of all walks of life, including gay fans, supported the Mayweather-Pacquiao fight, putting $100-million in his pocket," he added. "I guess to him, their money is still green."

I won't be watching another one of Manny Pacquiao's fights.

— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) February 18, 2016

Johnson then declared that he will not be watching another one of Pacquiao's fights.

Pacquiao is set to fight for the final time in his career on April 9, when he faces Timothy Bradley Jr.

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