Cojuangco son agrees to P100-M boxing match with lawmaker

MANILA, Philippines - A son of businessman Eduardo Cojuangco Jr. has reportedly agreed to a boxing match between him and Negros Occidental Rep. Jeffrey Ferrer, with each camp betting P100 million, his relative said Monday.

Former Pulupandan, Negros Occidental mayor Magdaleno Peña said Carlos Cojuangco took him up on his suggestion after confirming that he indeed figured in a brawl with Ferrer at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) on March 6.

“Cojuangco agreed to face Ferrer in a boxing match (at the Bago City gymnasium) and that the face-off should be done within 30 days for a good cause.  The proposal would be for the two camps to place as bet money P100 million each and the one who will win the match gets his money back and the loser will donate his money to the victims of Super Typhoon Yolanda,” Peña said in a statement.

Cojuangco is a former congressman of the province’s fourth district, which Ferrer currently represents.

Peña said Cojuangco “explained that when he saw (Ferrer) at the departure area, he went out of his way to greet him but the latter only answered with a grunt. (He) was insulted and this started the altercation.” The two men were waiting for their flight to Bacolod.

Cojuangco’s camp is waiting for Ferrer’s response to “this winner-takes-all contest,” Peña said.

Cojuangco and Ferrer, former political allies,  refused to comment on the issue.