Harumafuji Assaults Junior Wrestler

November 14, 2017

Dazaifu, Fukuoka Pref.- Yokozuna sumo grand champion Harumafuji has assaulted a junior wrestler, it was learned Tuesday.

Speaking to reporters at a sumo wrestlers' residence in Dazaifu, Fukuoka Prefecture, southwestern Japan, Harumafuji expressed his apology over the incident.

The 33-year-old yokozuna then submitted a notification that he will drop out of the Kyushu Grand Sumo Tournament, a 15-day competition that started in the city of Fukuoka on Sunday.

Harumafuji, who belongs to the Isegahama stable, assaulted Takanoiwa, 27, also a professional sumo wrestler competing in the makuuchi top division, after getting into an argument while drinking in late October, according to informed sources.

Takanoiwa, who belongs to the Takanohana stable and has been absent from the tournament from the first day, submitted to the Japan Sumo Association a doctor's report confirming his injuries, including skull base fracture, that take two weeks to heal completely.

Regarding Takanoiwa's injuries, Harumafuji said, "I deeply apologize for having caused so much trouble to stablemaster Takanohana, supporters of the Takanohana stable, the Japan Sumo Association and my stablemaster."

The association has questioned the two wrestlers' masters about the incident.

Stablemaster Takanohana said Takanoiwa is in bad physical condition, as described in the doctor's report. Jiji Press