In related news

  • Akebono, Sumo Legend Who Competed in WWE's WrestleMania 21, Dead at 54

    Akebono was raised in Hawaii and became the first foreign-born sumo star to reach the level of "yokozuna," or grand champion.

  • Legendary sumo wrestler Akebono Taro dead at 54 from heart failure

    Akebono Taro, the first ever foreign-born sumo wrestler to be named a grand champion, has died of heart failure, his family confirmed Thursday. He was 54.  Akebono, who was born Chad George Ha'aheo Rowan in Hawaii in 1969, died this month in Japan.  "It is with sadness that we announce Akebono Taro died of heart failure earlier this month while receiving care at a hospital in the Tokyo area," the family said in a statement. CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM His wife, Christine...

  • Sumo Legend Akebono Taro Passes Away at 54

    Sumo wrestling legend Akebono Taro has passed away at the age of 54 this week. The Hawaiian-born athlete reached the highest levels of sumo and was the first non-Japanese competitor to reach those heights of success. Born Chadwick Haheo Rowan in 1965, he would compete across sumo, MMA, kickboxing, and professional wrestling in Japan and in the United States. Against Bob Sapp, he would compete in one of the most viewed kickboxing matches in history. He would also tangle with […] The post Sumo...