Sumo: Retired Asashoryu denies club brawl

Former sumo grand champion Asashoryu yesterday denied allegations he had punched a man in a drunken nightclub rampage, which led to his abrupt retirement from the traditional Japanese martial art.
“I have never punched anyone at all as reported in the mass media,” the 29-year-old Mongolian said in Ulan Bator hours after his return home, according to Japanese press reports.
Speaking at a news conference, he also slammed sumo’s governing body, which has often grilled him for his abrasive remarks and manners despite his sporting success, for being “too strict with the rules.”
“I don’t want to say bad things about the Japan Sumo Association, but there were many things I didn’t like about it. They were too strict with the rules,” said the wrestler, whose real name is Dolgorsuren Dagvadorj.
Asashoryu, who won his 25th Emperor’s Cup in January as the third most successful wrestler in sumo history, announced his retirement on February 4 after he came under fire for his alleged act of violence. He made the decision while the association was discussing a punishment.
He reportedly hit the man during an altercation outside the club at around 4:00 am on January 16 in the swanky nightclub district of Nishiazabu of Tokyo.
The victim, who suffered a broken nose, a cut lip and bruises to the back of his head, spoke to police but did not file a formal complaint.
The press conference in the Mongolian capital attracted nearly 100 reporters, but Asashoryu declined to accept any questions from the Japanese media, Kyodo News said.
Asashoryu was only bettered by Taiho’s 32 titles and Chiyonofuji’s 31.
Sumo traditionalists have accused Asashoryu of being too brash for a grand champion, or “yokozuna”, who is supposed to be a role model in society.
Asked if he was considering going into mixed martial arts, Asashoryu said he had not decided what to do next.
“I am still young and I want to work for the good of Mongolia,” he said.