Asashoryu

Former Mongolian-born grand champion Asashoryu refuted reports of an alleged drunken rampage that preceded his retirement from sumo.

"I didn't commit any violent act," Asashoryu said at a press conference in Ulan Bator, referring to Japanese magazine reports in January that said he became extremely drunk before striking and seriously injuring a man outside a nightclub in Tokyo.

Several Mongolian newspapers on have featured articles on their front pages reporting that a conspiracy was behind former yokozuna Asashoryu's decision to quit sumo over his alleged assault of a man in downtown Tokyo.

The newspapers credited Asashoryu with helping bolster sumo's waning fan base as well as contributing to the increase in revenue for the ancient Japanese sport.

I was a lucky man to get a pic with the Badboy of Sumo back before most even knew who he was

See what goes on before the main event as we cover a Sumo practice session up close and personal a day before the Kyushu Basho begins in Fukuoka

I completely forgot to start covering this years Haru basho! I'm usually on top of these things, but accidents happen I guess. Check out the action thus far from Osaka!

Okinawans have embraced Asashoryu and his style, saying “his victory pose is just right for a champion, and should be done like that.” “This generation is the generation of change involving many changes, and not just in the sport world,” declares another Okinawan”.

Grand champion Asashoryu of Mongolia received a death threat on the opening day of the New Year Grand Sumo Tournament