A famous Japanese Sumo wrestling champion says he's leaving the ring for good. Known as the “Bad Boy” of this ancient Japanese sport he announced his retirement in a tear-filled conference in Tokyo.
"Bad boy" sumo grand champion Asashoryu announced his retirement Thursday from the ancient sport in a tear-filled news conference in Tokyo.
In emotional farewell, the 29-year-old Mongolian apologized and said he was retiring to take responsibility for the troubles he had caused.
Asashoryu, Sumo Grand Champion]:
"I apologize for the trouble caused to people outside and inside the sumo world. Today, I'm taking responsibility and have decided to retire."
Asashoryu, dabbing tears, said he was proud of having achieved sumo's highest rank, yokozuna.
The Japan Sumo Association on Tuesday had ordered an investigation
following reports that Asashoryu had broken a man's nose in an incident
outside a nightclub last month.
The reported incident was not Asashoryu's first brush with controversy in a career dogged by everything from pulling an opponents hair to starting a bathroom brawl during a post-match soak.
The head of Asashoryu's sumo stable told Japanese media over the weekend that the yokozuna had been too drunk to remember the incident.
His retirement leaves the ancient sport, with origins dating to the mythological founding of Japan, with only one yokozuna, fellow Mongolian Hakuho.
