Cojuangco, OCA head to discuss pugs’ woes

The Philippine Olympic Committee is fed up with the raw deal that the national boxers have been getting in high-level tournaments sanctioned by the international body of the sport.

POC president Jose “Peping” Cojuangco Jr. yesterday said he would personally bring up the matter to Olympic Council of Asia president Sheik Fahad Al-Sabah next month.

He noted that there’s a strong suspicion that technical officials, including the judges and referees, are on the take.

“I think the leadership of the OCA should look into this,” said Cojuangco. “This has to be scrutinized carefully.”

OCA organized the quadrennial Asian Games recently held in Incheon, South Korea.

“It’s not only about losing, the athletes are also affected,” added the POC chief. “It’s not good. It teaches not only the losers but also the winners that this is the way it should be run.”

Four Filipino boxers reached the Asiad semifinals, settling for a silver and three bronze medals.

Philippine Sports Commission chair Richie Garcia said other countries are also up in arms over the deplorable practice pinned on the International Boxing Federation (Aiba) and the Asian Boxing Confederation.