Posted on: Thursday, November 6, 2003

Akebono leaving sumo for K-1 fights

Advertiser News Services

Former grand champion Akebono has formally quit the sumo world and is reportedly planning a new career in K-1, a brutal sport that combines elements of wrestling, boxing and karate.

Akebono (Waimanalo's Chad Rowan), the first foreigner ever to reach sumo's highest rank, this week submitted his resignation to the sport's governing body, citing "personal reasons," Sumo Association official Takeshi Hayashi said today.

Hayashi said Akebono, who retired from competition in 2001 but remained a senior member of the association, gave no further reason for his decision.

Japanese media said Akebono, 34, is planning to start a new ring career in K-1, which has become wildly popular in Japan over the past several years.

Forced to retire in 2001 because of persistent knee problems, the 6-foot-9, 484-pound Akebono overcame considerable concerns about whether a foreigner should be allowed to hold the coveted title of "yokozuna," or grand champion.

Five years after his debut, Akebono was promoted to yokozuna in 1993. He won 11 career titles.