Legendary Sumo Wrestler Akebono Taro Passes Away at 54

Sumo Wrestler Taro Akebono
Rival of Choi Hong Man in K-1
Passes Away at 54

Taro Akebono, a former Yokozuna (Grand Champion) sumo wrestler, has passed away.

On April 11, media outlets in Hawaii and Japan reported, “Akebono succumbed to heart failure.”

Born on May 8, 1969, Akebono, who was 54, reportedly sensed his rapidly deteriorating health and told his wife, “I love you,” before he passed away.

Akebono’s real name was Chadwick Haheo Rowan, born in Hawaii.

Standing at 6 feet 8 inches (203 cm) and weighing nearly 507 lbs (230 kg), he became the first foreign-born Yokozuna (Grand Champion) in Japanese sumo history in 1993.

After leaving the sumo ring, he transitioned to the K-1 fighting stage in 2003.

Akebono fought three times in the K-1 ring against Techno Goliath Choi Hong Man, earning him the title of Choi Hong Man’s K-1 Rival.

The matchup between the most muscular wrestler in Korea and the strongest sumo wrestler in Japan garnered much attention, with the two facing off three times.

However, Akebono didn’t shine as much on the fighting stage due to his lack of agility, and he lost all three matches to Choi Hong Man.

He retired after recording 1 win and 9 losses in K-1 and 4 losses in mixed martial arts (MMA).

Akebono’s funeral is expected to be held privately for family members.