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Tada beats champ Son to grab WBA minimumweight crown

OSAKA, Japan - Japanese challenger Etsuko Tada (R) battles WBC women's minimumweight champion Son Cho Rong of South Korea on her way to winning the title in the third round of their title bout at Osaka Prefectural Gymnasium on April 11.

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Tada beats champ Son to grab WBA minimumweight crown

OSAKA, Japan - Japanese challenger Etsuko Tada (R) delivers a right to WBC women's minimumweight champion Son Cho Rong of South Korea in the seventh round of their title bout at Osaka Prefectural Gymnasium on April 11. Tada beat Son to grab the title.

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Hakuho wins 22nd career title at spring sumo

OSAKA, Japan - Mongolian yokozuna Hakuho, holding his trophy, and his fans pose for group photos after Hakuho won the Spring Grand Sumo Tournament -- his 22nd career title -- at Osaka Prefectural Gymnasium on March 25, 2012.

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Hakuho wins 22nd career title at spring sumo

OSAKA, Japan - Mongolian yokozuna Hakuho (R) defeats sekiwake Kakuryu in a playoff to win the Spring Grand Sumo Tournament -- his 22nd career title -- at Osaka Prefectural Gymnasium on March 25, 2012.

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Hakuho wins 22nd career title at spring sumo

OSAKA, Japan - Mongolian yokozuna Hakuho (top) defeats sekiwake Kakuryu in a playoff to win the Spring Grand Sumo Tournament -- his 22nd career title -- at Osaka Prefectural Gymnasium on March 25, 2012.

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Kakuryu secures ozeki promotion

OSAKA, Japan - Mongolian Sekiwake Kakuryu is pictured at Osaka Prefectural Gymnasium on March 24, 2012, the 14th day of the Spring Grand Sumo Tournament, after beating ozeki Kotooshu. Kakuryu secured promotion to sumo's second-highest rank of ozeki after improving to 13-1.

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Kakuryu secures ozeki promotion

OSAKA, Japan - Mongolian sekiwake Kakuryu (R) throws down ozeki Kotooshu at Osaka Prefectural Gymnasium on March 24, 2012, the 14th day of the Spring Grand Sumo Tournament. Kakuryu improved to 13-1 and secured promotion to sumo's second-highest rank of ozeki.

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Hakuho beaten by Kisenosato

OSAKA, Japan - Ozeki Kisenosato (L) pushes grand champion Hakuho out of the ring at Osaka Prefectural Gymnasium on March 23, 2012, the 13th day of the Spring Grand Sumo Tournament. Hakuho suffered a second defeat, allowing sekiwake Kakuryu to take sole possession of the lead at 12-1.

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Hakuho beaten by Kisenosato

OSAKA, Japan - Ozeki Kisenosato (R) pushes grand champion Hakuho out of the ring at Osaka Prefectural Gymnasium on March 23, 2012, the 13th day of the Spring Grand Sumo Tournament. Hakuho suffered his second defeat, allowing sekiwake Kakuryu to take sole possession of the lead at 12-1.

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Baruto handed 3rd loss

OSAKA, Japan - Estonian ozeki Baruto (R) is defeated by ozeki Kotoshogiku at Osaka Prefectural Gymnasium on March 22, 2012, the 12th day of the Spring Grand Sumo Tournament. It was Baruto's third loss in the tournament and could be fatal for his bid to earn promotion to yokozuna.

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Hakuho tied for lead

OSAKA, Japan - Mongolian grand champion Hakuho (bottom) defeats Bulgarian ozeki Kotooshu at Osaka Prefectural Gymnasium on March 22, 2012, the 12th day of the Spring Grand Sumo Tournament. Hakuho and sekiwake Kakuryu remained in a share of the lead at 11-1 with three days left in the tourney.

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Baruto handed 3rd loss

OSAKA, Japan - Estonian ozeki Baruto (front) is defeated by ozeki Kotoshogiku at Osaka Prefectural Gymnasium on March 22, 2012, the 12th day of the Spring Grand Sumo Tournament. It was Baruto's third loss in the tournament and could be fatal for his bid to earn promotion to yokozuna.

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Baruto falls to 2nd loss

OSAKA, Japan - Estonian ozeki Baruto (L) is defeated by Bulgarian ozeki Kotooshu at Osaka Prefectural Gymnasium on March 21, 2012, the 11th day of the Spring Grand Sumo Tournament. It was the second loss in the tournament for Baruto, who is seeking promotion to yokozuna after winning the New Year meet in January.

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Baruto falls to 2nd loss

OSAKA, Japan - Estonian ozeki Baruto is seen after being defeated by Bulgarian ozeki Kotooshu at Osaka Prefectural Gymnasium on March 21, 2012, the 11th day of the Spring Grand Sumo Tournament. It was the second loss in the tournament for Baruto, who is seeking promotion to yokozuna after winning the New Year meet in January.

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Kakuryu drops Hakuho

OSAKA, Japan - Sekiwake Kakuryu (L) pushes yokozuna Hakuho out of the ring on March 19, 2012, the ninth day of the Spring Grand Sumo Tournament, at Osaka Prefectural Gymnasium in Osaka. Hakuho is tied at 8-1 with three other wrestlers including Kakuryu.

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Hakuho beats Gagamaru

OSAKA, Japan - Grand champion Hakuho (L) throws down Georgian komusubi Gagamaru on March 15, 2012, the fifth day of the Spring Grand Sumo Tournament at Osaka Prefectural Gymnasium in Osaka. The Mongolian yokozuna remained undefeated.

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African wrestler at sumo rank

OSAKA, Japan - Egyptian Osunaarashi stands on the ring at Osaka Prefectural Gymnasium in Osaka City on March 15, 2012, as the Japan Sumo Association announced that he will ascend to sumo's jonokuchi rank in the upcoming tournament in May 2012. He made his debuted two days earlier as an unofficially ranked wrestler, becoming sumo's first-ever wrestler of African descent.

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Former yokozuna Asashoryu, Mongolian prime minister

OSAKA, Japan - Dolgorsuren Dagvadorj (L), better known as former yokozuna Asashoryu, watches a sumo bout with his compatriot, Mongolian Prime Minister Sukhbaatar Batbold (R), at Osaka Prefectural Gymnasium in Osaka on March 14, 2012.

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Baruto falls for 1st loss at spring basho

OSAKA, Japan - Estonian-born ozeki Baruto (R) is sent to his first defeat at the hands of Mongolian sekiwake Kakuryu on March 14, 2012, the fourth day of the Spring Grand Sumo Tournament, at Osaka Prefectural Gymnasium in Osaka.

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First-ever African wrestler makes sumo debut

OSAKA, Japan - Egyptian Osunaarashi, sumo's first-ever wrestler of African descent, performs a pre-bout ritual as an unofficially ranked wrestler at the Spring Grand Sumo Tournament on March 13, 2012. Osunaarashi (Great Sandstorm), whose real name is Abdelrahman Ahmed Shaalan, marked his debut with a resounding victory at the Osaka Prefectural Gymnasium in the city of Osaka.

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First-ever African wrestler makes sumo debut

OSAKA, Japan - Egyptian Osunaarashi (L), sumo's first-ever wrestler of African descent, shoves his opponent as an unofficially ranked wrestler at the Spring Grand Sumo Tournament on March 13, 2012. Osunaarashi (Great Sandstorm), whose real name is Abdelrahman Ahmed Shaalan, marked his debut with a resounding victory at the Osaka Prefectural Gymnasium in the city of Osaka.

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Spring sumo meet canceled over match-fixing scandal

TOKYO, Japan - A woman posts a notice at the Osaka Prefectural Gymnasium in the city of Osaka on Feb. 6, 2011, announcing that the Japan Sumo Association has decided to cancel the upcoming Spring Grand Sumo Tournament in March over a match-fixing scandal.

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March sumo tourney might be canceled

OSAKA, Japan - A poster advertising the Spring Grand Sumo Tournament slated for March 13-27 in Osaka is on display at the Osaka Prefectural Gymnasium, the venue of the tournament, on Feb. 4, 2011. The Japan Sumo Association the same day postponed the start of ticket sales for the spring basho, while hinting that it may cancel the event due to a match-fixing scandal that has rocked the ancient sport to its core and sparked public outrage.

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WBA champ Nashiro loses to Cazares

OSAKA, Japan - Japan's WBA super flyweight champion Nobuo Nashiro (R) punches Mexican challenger Hugo Cazares during the eighth round of their match at Osaka Prefectural Gymnasium on May 8, 2010. Nashiro lost a unanimous decision to Cazares in his third title defense.

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WBA champ Nashiro loses to Cazares

OSAKA, Japan - Japan's WBA super flyweight champion Nobuo Nashiro (L) lands a left against Mexican challenger Hugo Cazares during the fifth round of their match at Osaka Prefectural Gymnasium on May 8, 2010. Nashiro lost a unanimous decision to Cazares in his third title defense.

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WBA champ Nashiro loses to Cazares

OSAKA, Japan - Japan's WBA super flyweight champion Nobuo Nashiro (L) fights Mexican challenger Hugo Cazares during the second round of their match at Osaka Prefectural Gymnasium on May 8, 2010. Nashiro lost a unanimous decision to Cazares in his third title defense.

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WBA champ Nashiro, challenger Cazares sign May 8 title match

OSAKA, Japan - WBA super flyweight champion Nobuo Nashiro (L) and challenger Hugo Cazares of Mexico pose for photos during a signing ceremony in Osaka on May 6, 2010, for a title match at Osaka Prefectural Gymnasium on May 8.

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Baruto set to become ozeki

OSAKA, Japan - Estonian sumo wrestler Baruto smiles as he was assured of promotion to second-ranked ozeki from sekiwake at Osaka Prefectural Gymnasium on March 28, 2010. Baruto went 14-1 during the Spring Grand Sumo Tournament.

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Baruto assures himself promotion to ozeki

OSAKA, Japan - Estonian sekiwake Baruto holds his trophies after being awarded the Fighting Spirit and Technique prizes during the Spring Grand Sumo Tournament at Osaka Prefectural Gymnasium on March 28, 2010. The 25-year-old went 14-1 and assured himself promotion to ozeki, the second-highest rank in the sport.

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Hakuho wins Osaka basho with flawless record

OSAKA, Japan - Mongolian grand champion Hakuho gets a kiss from his son Mahato with daughter Amiu looking on after winning the Spring Grand Sumo Tournament on March 28, 2010, at Osaka Prefectural Gymnasium. Hakuho won the meet with a perfect 15-0 record.

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Hakuho wins Osaka basho with flawless record

OSAKA, Japan - Grand champion Hakuho (L) throws fellow Mongolian Harumafuji onto the ring to win the Spring Grand Sumo Tournament with a perfect 15-0 record at Osaka Prefectural Gymnasium on March 28, 2010.

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Hakuho wins Osaka basho with flawless record

OSAKA, Japan - Estonian sekiwake Baruto (R) pushes ozeki Kotomitsuki out of the ring at the Spring Grand Sumo Tournament at Osaka Prefectural Gymnasium on March 28, 2010, wrapping up a successful ozeki promotion campaign.

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Baruto assures himself promotion to ozeki

OSAKA, Japan - Estonian sekiwake Baruto (L) pulls Kotoshogiku onto the ring, assuring himself promotion to ozeki with his 13th win at the 15-day Spring Grand Sumo Tournament at Osaka Prefectural Gymnasium on March 27, 2010.

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Hakuho closes in on Osaka title

OSAKA, Japan - Mongolian yokozuna Hakuho (L) throws Bulgarian ozeki Kotooshu onto the ring at the Spring Grand Sumo Tournament at Osaka Prefectural Gymnasium on March 27, 2010. With his 14th win, Hakuho closes in on his 13th championship title on the 14th day of the 15-day meet.

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Baruto takes another step toward ozeki at Spring tourney

OSAKA, Japan - Estonian sekiwake Baruto (R) thrusts out ozeki Miyabiyama on the 13th day of the Spring Grand Sumo Tournament at Osaka Prefectural Gymnasium on March 26, 2010. Baruto took a giant stride toward promotion to ozeki with an impressive 12th win at the 15-day meet.

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Yokozuna Hakuho tosses down Kaio at Spring tourney

OSAKA, Japan - Mongolian yokozuna Hakuho tosses down veteran ozeki Kaio on the 13th day of the Spring Grand Sumo Tournament at Osaka Prefectural Gymnasium on March 26, 2010. Hakuho is widely expected to win his 13th Emperor's Cup in the absence of former yokozuna Asashoryu.

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Baruto beaten by Hakuho

OSAKA, Japan - Sekiwake Baruto looks downcast after losing to grand champion Hakuho on the 11th day of the Spring Grand Sumo Tournament at Osaka Prefectural Gymnasium on March 24, 2010. The Estonian wrestler, 10-1, allowed the unbeaten Mongolian yokozuna to grab solo possession of the lead in the 15-day tourney.

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Hakuho downs Baruto

OSAKA, Japan - Unbeaten grand champion Hakuho (L) corners sekiwake Baruto on the 11th day of the Spring Grand Sumo Tournament at Osaka Prefectural Gymnasium on March 24, 2010. The Mongolian yokozuna beat the Estonian, taking the solo lead in the 15-day tourney.

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Hakuho remains unbeaten

OSAKA, Japan - Grand champion Hakuho picks up rank-and-filer Tosayutaka after tossing him to the dirt at Osaka Prefectural Gymnasium on March 23, 2010, the 10th day of the Spring Grand Sumo Tournament. The Mongolian yokozuna remained unbeaten.

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Harumafuji defeats Toyohibiki at spring tourney

OSAKA, Japan - Mongolian ozeki Harumafuji (R) pushes rank-and-filer Toyohibiki out of the ring at Osaka Prefectural Gymnasium on March 23, 2010, the 10th day of the Spring Grand Sumo Tournament. The ozeki remained one win behind Mongolian yokozuna Hakuho and Estonian sekiwake Baruto.

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Baruto defeats Kotooshu at spring tourney

OSAKA, Japan - Estonian sekiwake Baruto (L) takes on Bulgarian ozeki Kotooshu at Osaka Prefectural Gymnasium on March 23, 2010, the 10th day of the Spring Grand Sumo Tournament. Baruto took another step toward promotion to ozeki after a hard-fought win.

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Promotion-seeking Baruto rolls on in Osaka

OSAKA, Japan - Estonian sekiwake Baruto (R) forces Mongolian No. 2 sekiwake Kyokutenho out of the ring on the eighth day of the 15-day Spring Grand Sumo Tournament at Osaka Prefectural Gymnasium in Osaka on Mary 21, 2010, remaining unbeaten.

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Mongolian yokozuna Hakuho unbeaten at spring sumo

OSAKA, Japan - Mongolian yokozuna (grand champion) Hakuho (R) forces Mongolian fourth-ranked maegashira Tamawashi out of the ring at the Spring Grand Sumo Tournament at Osaka Prefectural Gymnasium in Osaka on March 21, 2010, day eight of the 15-day competition.

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Bulgarian ozeki Kotooshu beats komusubi Kisenosato

OSAKA, Japan - Bulgarian ozeki Kotooshu throws down komusubi Kisenosato at the Spring Grand Sumo Tournament at Osaka Prefectural Gymnasium in Osaka on March 20, 2010, day seven of the 15-day competition.

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Baruto roars back from brink to stay perfect in Osaka

OSAKA, Japan - Estonian sekiwake Baruto (L) forces Mongolian top-ranked maegashira Kakuryu out of the ring on the seventh day of the 15-day Spring Grand Sumo Tournament at Osaka Prefectural Gymnasium in Osaka on March 20, 2010, sharing the lead in the tournament at 7-0 with lone grand champion and title favorite Hakuho, ozeki Harumafuji and rank-and-filer Tokitenku.

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Mongolian yokozuna Hakuho unbeaten at spring sumo

OSAKA, Japan - Mongolian yokozuna (grand champion) Hakuho throws down No. 3 maegashira Kotoshogiku on the seventh day of the 15-day Spring Grand Sumo Tournament at Osaka Prefectural Gymnasium in Osaka on March 20, 2010.

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Mongolian ozeki Harumafuji unbeaten at spring sumo

OSAKA, Japan - Mongolian ozeki Harumafuji (R) forces his compatriot, fourth-ranked Tamawashi, out of the ring on the sixth day of the 15-day Spring Grand Sumo Tournament at Osaka Prefectural Gymnasium in Osaka on March 19, 2010. Harumafuji maintained his unbeaten record with the win.

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Mongolian yokozuna Hakuho beats Russian maegashira Aran

OSAKA, Japan - Mongolian yokozuna (grand champion) Hakuho (L) pushes Russian No. 2 maegashira Aran out of the ring on the sixth day of the 15-day Spring Grand Sumo Tournament at Osaka Prefectural Gymnasium in Osaka on March 19, 2010, remaining unbeaten.

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Baruto flexes muscles to keep promotion in sights

OSAKA, Japan - Estonian sekiwake Baruto sends sekiwake Toyonoshima to the ground on the sixth day of the 15-day Spring Grand Sumo Tournament at Osaka Prefectural Gymnasium in Osaka on March 19, 2010. The win helped Baruto preserve his unbeaten record and kept him tied for the lead with grand champion Hakuho, ozeki Harumafuji and No. 13 maegashira Tokitenku.

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Ozeki hopeful Baruto steamrolls to stay tied for Osaka lead

OSAKA, Japan - Estonian sekiwake Baruto (R) sends No. 1 maegashira Wakanosato to the ground on the fifth day of the 15-day Spring Grand Sumo Tournament at Osaka Prefectural Gymnasium in Osaka on March 18, 2010, maintaining a share of the lead with five wins and no loss.