By TMZ Sports

Multiple sources tell TMZ Sports ... Nike is preparing to cut ties with boxing superstar Manny Pacquiao after his latest round of anti-gay comments.

The two sides have had a relationship since at least 2006 -- but we're told Nike is particularly disturbed after Pacquiao said gay people are "worse than animals" ... and intend to drop the boxer for good.

We're told the move is not official yet -- but there have been multiple discussions and we're told it appears to be heading that direction.

We reached out to Manny's rep -- so far, no comment.

Pacquiao, an evangelical Protestant, also apologized via social media on Tuesday for those statements while discussing his position on gay marriage.

"It's common sense. Do you see animals mating with the same sex? Animals are better because they can distinguish male from female," Pacquiao told television station TV5.

After a barrage of criticism, Pacquiao asked for forgiveness.

"I'm sorry for comparing homosexuals to animals. Please forgive me for those I've hurt," he said in a video post on Instagram.

Pacquiao returns to the ring for what he says is the final time on April 9th, in a trilogy bout with Timothy Bradley at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.