The boxer has reportedly been attacked as he was leaving a restaurant in Los Angeles.

The unknown assailant apparently targeted Pacquiao because of his views against same sex marriage.

The eight-time world boxing champion sparked criticism across the world in February, after describing gay couples as “worse than animals”.

“It’s common sense,” he said. “Will you see any animals where male is to male and female is to female? The animals are better.

“They know how to distinguish male from female.

“If we approve male on male, female on female then man is worse than animals.”

Pacquiao’s assistant, David Sisson, claims the attacker shouted: “F*** you. F*** you, you homophobic,” as he was led away after the alleged attack.

The 37-year-old then instructed his security team not to leave the attacker alone, claims The Sun.

“Manny told them not to hurt the guy — and said ‘let him go, let him go,’” Sisson added.

Edward Lura – also part of the boxer’s entourage – was the first to stop the attack.

He said: “I really thought he would hit Manny. He almost got to him.”

Pacquiao’s security aide, Johnny Bantillan, had to be restrained as he attempted to attack the assailant.

Pacquiao has previously said that he was not bothered about the backlash – despite losing millions in sponsorship after being dropped by Nike, which described his views as “abhorrent”.

The sports star and wannabe politician has also claimed the comments were taken out of context.

“I don’t mean to condemn them. No one can condemn anyone,” Pacquiao said, according to the New York Post.

“I apologise for using words that no one wanted to hear.”

“The interview was five to ten minutes long and they cut it,” he went on, claiming that it was edited down to just the words about homosexuality.

Pacquiao was also banned from an LA shopping centre over the comments.