A LEGENDARY sumo wrestler has died on the age of 54.
Akebono Taro, who gained 11 grand tournaments throughout his profession, died from coronary heart failure.
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He had been battling an sickness since collapsing in Kitakyushu in Japan seven years in the past and had reportedly been in hospital close to Tokyo.
Hawaii-born Akebono – who grew to become the primary non-Japanese grand champion or “yokozuna” – died earlier this month whereas receiving remedy, his household stated.
His household stated: “It’s with disappointment that we announce Akebono Taro died of coronary heart failure earlier this month whereas receiving care at a hospital within the Tokyo space.”
Born Chad George Ha’aheo Rowan, Akebono moved to Tokyo within the late Nineteen Eighties and made his sumo debut in March 1988.
He reached the highest division two years later – and gained his first grand championship in 1993.
After turning into the first-ever foreign-born grand champion – sumo’s highest rank – he opened the door for different overseas wrestlers to search out success within the sport.
In 2005, Akebono competed in opposition to The Large Present at WrestleMania 21 in Los Angeles.
On the prime of his profession, he reportedly weighed 500lbs and stood at 6ft8ins – together with his preventing type counting on his large dimension to thrust opponents out of the ring.
The US ambassador to Japan, Rahm Emanuel, paid tribute to Akebono – describing him as a “large on this planet of sumo”.
He stated: “I used to be deeply saddened to study of the passing of Akebono, a large on this planet of sumo, a proud Hawaiian and a bridge between america and Japan, Emanuel posted.
“When Akebono grew to become the first-ever foreign-born grand champion, sumo’s highest rank, in 1993, he opened the door for different overseas wrestlers to search out success within the sport.
“All through his 35 years in Japan, Akebono strengthened the cultural ties between america and his adopted homeland by uniting us all by way of sport.”
Samoa Joe, the present world champion of AEW professional wrestling, stated Akebone was “the epitome of a Yokozuna” in a touching tribute.
“RIP to the Mighty Akebono,” he stated. “The epitome of a Yokozuna, each a warrior and a gents. A hui hou.”
Retired skilled wrestler Keiji Muto, stated Akebono was “somebody who felt the love {of professional} wrestling by way of his honest method”.
“Yokozuna, please relaxation peacefully,” he stated.
Chicago-born TV character Dave Spector stated he had the privilege of calling Akebono by his actual identify, Chad.
“His household was great, at all times shining brighter than the Hawaiian solar,” he wrote.
“We’d trade jokes, and at the same time as a yokozuna, he was at all times simply Chad.”
Akebono repeatedly appeared as a celeb on Japanese TV reveals.
He retired from sumo in 2001 fought in varied mixed-martial arts {and professional} wrestling occasions.
Akebono is survived by his spouse, daughter and two sons.
A personal funeral might be held for the sumo legend.
