Sumo: Harumafuji career highlights

Sumo: Harumafuji career highlights

TOKYO, Japan, Nov. 29 Kyodo - Harumafuji performs a ring-entering ritual at the Kyushu Grand Sumo Tournament in Fukuoka in November 2012, his first tournament since he was promoted to yokozuna. Harumafuji announced his retirement on Nov. 29, 2017, admitting to injuring fellow Mongolian wrestler Takanoiwa in a drunken assault in late October.

Harumafuji defeats Goeido

Harumafuji defeats Goeido

Yokozuna Harumafuji (R) defeats ozeki Goeido on July 23, 2016, the penultimate day of the Nagoya Grand Sumo Tournament, staying one ahead of ozeki Kisenosato and No. 10 maegashira Takanoiwa. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo

Sumo: Takanoiwa, seriously injured in assault by grand champ Harumafuji

Sumo: Takanoiwa, seriously injured in assault by grand champ Harumafuji

Sumo wrestler Takanoiwa, seen in this photo taken on Jan. 22, 2017, suffered serious injuries at the hands of grand champion Harumafuji in a drunken brawl in Tottori, western Japan, in October 2017. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo

Sumo: retirement rite for Takanoiwa

Sumo: retirement rite for Takanoiwa

Former grand champion Harumafuji cuts retired sumo wrestler Takanoiwa's topknot during his retirement ceremony at Ryogoku Kokugikan in Tokyo on Feb. 2, 2019. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo

Sumo: retirement rite for Takanoiwa

Sumo: retirement rite for Takanoiwa

Yokozuna Hakuho cuts retired sumo wrestler Takanoiwa's topknot during his retirement ceremony at Ryogoku Kokugikan in Tokyo on Feb. 2, 2019. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo

Sumo: retirement rite for Takanoiwa

Sumo: retirement rite for Takanoiwa

Yokozuna Hakuho cuts retired sumo wrestler Takanoiwa's topknot during his retirement ceremony at Ryogoku Kokugikan in Tokyo on Feb. 2, 2019. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo

Sumo: Meeting after violence ends wrestler's career

Sumo: Meeting after violence ends wrestler's career

Sumo wrestlers attend a meeting at Ryogoku Kokugikan in Tokyo on Dec. 19, 2018, after Takanoiwa from Mongolia had to retire earlier in the month for assaulting a younger wrestler of his stable. (Pool photo)(Kyodo) ==Kyodo

Sumo: Takanoiwa retires after assaulting stablemate

Sumo: Takanoiwa retires after assaulting stablemate

Mongolian sumo wrestler Takanoiwa holds a press conference in Tokyo on Dec. 7, 2018, to announce his resignation after he assaulted a younger wrestler of his Chiganoura stable at a hotel in Fukuoka earlier in the week. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo

Sumo: Takanoiwa retires after assaulting stablemate

Sumo: Takanoiwa retires after assaulting stablemate

Mongolian sumo wrestler Takanoiwa holds a press conference in Tokyo on Dec. 7, 2018, to announce his resignation after he assaulted a younger wrestler of his Chiganoura stable at a hotel in Fukuoka earlier in the week. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo

Sumo: Takanoiwa retires after assaulting stablemate

Sumo: Takanoiwa retires after assaulting stablemate

Mongolian sumo wrestler Takanoiwa holds a press conference in Tokyo on Dec. 7, 2018, to announce his resignation after he assaulted a younger wrestler of his Chiganoura stable at a hotel in Fukuoka earlier in the week. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo

Sumo: Takanoiwa retires after assaulting stablemate

Sumo: Takanoiwa retires after assaulting stablemate

Mongolian sumo wrestler Takanoiwa holds a press conference in Tokyo on Dec. 7, 2018, to announce his resignation after he assaulted a younger wrestler of his Chiganoura stable at a hotel in Fukuoka earlier in the week. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo

Sumo: Takanoiwa retires after assaulting stablemate

Sumo: Takanoiwa retires after assaulting stablemate

Mongolian sumo wrestler Takanoiwa holds a press conference in Tokyo on Dec. 7, 2018, to announce his resignation after he assaulted a younger wrestler of his Chiganoura stable at a hotel in Fukuoka earlier in the week. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo

Sumo: Takanoiwa retires after assaulting stablemate

Sumo: Takanoiwa retires after assaulting stablemate

Mongolian sumo wrestler Takanoiwa holds a press conference in Tokyo on Dec. 7, 2018, to announce his resignation after he assaulted a younger wrestler of his Chiganoura stable at a hotel in Fukuoka earlier in the week. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo

Sumo: Takanoiwa retires after assaulting stablemate

Sumo: Takanoiwa retires after assaulting stablemate

Mongolian sumo wrestler Takanoiwa (R) and his stablemaster Chiganoura attend a press conference in Tokyo on Dec. 7, 2018. Takanoiwa announced his resignation after he assaulted a younger wrestler of his stable at a hotel in Fukuoka earlier in the week. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo

Sumo: Takanoiwa retires after assaulting stablemate

Sumo: Takanoiwa retires after assaulting stablemate

Mongolian sumo wrestler Takanoiwa (R) and his stablemaster Chiganoura bow in apology at a press conference in Tokyo on Dec. 7, 2018. Takanoiwa announced his resignation after he assaulted a younger wrestler of his stable at a hotel in Fukuoka earlier in the week. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo

Yokozuna withdrawals open up the field in Osaka

Yokozuna withdrawals open up the field in Osaka

Sumo wrestler Takanoiwa trains in Uji, Kyoto Prefecture on March 10, 2018 ahead of his comeback at the Spring Grand Sumo Tournament starting the following day. The Mongolian is poised to make his return to the ring in the second-tier juryo division after suffering a concussion in a bar-room scuffle in October. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo

Yokozuna withdrawals open up the field in Osaka

Yokozuna withdrawals open up the field in Osaka

Sumo wrestler Takanoiwa trains in Uji, Kyoto Prefecture on March 10, 2018 ahead of his comeback at the Spring Grand Sumo Tournament starting the following day. The Mongolian is poised to make his return to the ring in the second-tier juryo division after suffering a concussion in a bar-room scuffle in October. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo

Sumo: Takanoiwa stays focused while he awaits decision on spring meet

Sumo: Takanoiwa stays focused while he awaits decision on spring meet

Mongolian sumo wrestler Takanoiwa (L) speaks to reporters alongside his stablemaster Takanohana at his stable in Uji, western Japan, on March 1, 2018. Takanoiwa, who was injured in a beating by former yokozuna Harumafuji last fall, took part in training the same day. It was his first public appearance since the scandal that led to fellow Mongolian Harumafuji's retirement surfaced in November 2017. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo

Sumo: Takanoiwa stays focused while he awaits decision on spring meet

Sumo: Takanoiwa stays focused while he awaits decision on spring meet

Mongolian sumo wrestler Takanoiwa speaks to reporters at his stable in Uji, western Japan, on March 1, 2018. Takanoiwa, who was injured in a beating by former yokozuna Harumafuji last fall, took part in training the same day. It was his first public appearance since the scandal that led to fellow Mongolian Harumafuji's retirement surfaced in November 2017. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo

Sumo: Takanoiwa stays focused while he awaits decision on spring meet

Sumo: Takanoiwa stays focused while he awaits decision on spring meet

Mongolian sumo wrestler Takanoiwa speaks to reporters at his stable in Uji, western Japan, on March 1, 2018. Takanoiwa, who was injured in a beating by former yokozuna Harumafuji last fall, took part in training the same day. It was his first public appearance since the scandal that led to fellow Mongolian Harumafuji's retirement surfaced in November 2017. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo

Sumo: Takanoiwa stays focused while he awaits decision on spring meet

Sumo: Takanoiwa stays focused while he awaits decision on spring meet

Mongolian sumo wrestler Takanoiwa speaks to reporters at his stable in Uji, western Japan, on March 1, 2018. Takanoiwa, who was injured in a beating by former yokozuna Harumafuji last fall, took part in training the same day. It was his first public appearance since the scandal that led to fellow Mongolian Harumafuji's retirement surfaced in November 2017. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo

Sumo: Takanoiwa, Takanohana

Sumo: Takanoiwa, Takanohana

Compiled file photo shows sumo wrestler Takanoiwa (L) and his stable master Takanohana. Takanoiwa, who was injured in an assault by grand champion Harumafuji, aims to make his comeback in the Spring Grand Sumo Tournament in March, Takanohana said on Jan. 17, 2018, in a statement on the stable's website. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo

Sumo: Attacked wrestler to sit out New Year tourney

Sumo: Attacked wrestler to sit out New Year tourney

Sumo wrestler Takanoiwa, seen in this file photo, withdraws from the New Year Grand Sumo Tournament beginning Jan. 14, 2018 in Tokyo as he continue to recover from head injuries he sustained at the hands of grand champion Harumafuji, who ended up retiring to take the blame for the violent attack. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo

Sumo: Wrestlers attend meeting to prevent violence

Sumo: Wrestlers attend meeting to prevent violence

Sumo wrestlers and stablemasters attend a meeting at Ryogoku Kokugikan in Tokyo on Dec. 21, 2017, on preventing recurrences of violence. Grand champion Harumafuji retired in late November after assaulting Mongolian compatriot Takanoiwa. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo

Harumafuji referred to prosecutors over assault

Harumafuji referred to prosecutors over assault

A vehicle carrying Japan Sumo Association Chairman Hakkaku enters the Ryogoku Kokugikan hall in Tokyo on Dec. 11, 2017. Police referred former sumo grand champion Harumafuji to prosecutors the same day for his assault of lower-ranked Takanoiwa at a bar in western Japan in October 2017, (Kyodo) ==Kyodo

Harumafuji referred to prosecutors over assault

Harumafuji referred to prosecutors over assault

File photo taken in July 2016 shows sumo wrestler Takanoiwa. Police referred former sumo grand champion Harumafuji to prosecutors on Dec. 11, 2017 for his assault of Takanoiwa at a bar in western Japan in October 2017, (Kyodo) ==Kyodo

Harumafuji referred to prosecutors over assault

Harumafuji referred to prosecutors over assault

Journalists gather in front of the sumo stable run by Takanohana in Tokyo on Dec. 11, 2017. Police referred former sumo grand champion Harumafuji to prosecutors the same day for his assault on Takanoiwa, a lower-ranked wrestler belonging to Takanohana's stable, at a bar in western Japan in October 2017. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo

Harumafuji referred to prosecutors over assault

Harumafuji referred to prosecutors over assault

Journalists gather in front of the sumo stable run by Takanohana in Tokyo on Dec. 11, 2017. Police referred former sumo grand champion Harumafuji to prosecutors the same day for his assault on Takanoiwa, a lower-ranked wrestler belonging to Takanohana's stable, at a bar in western Japan in October 2017. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo

Ex-sumo champ Harumafuji to be referred to prosecutors soon

Ex-sumo champ Harumafuji to be referred to prosecutors soon

Police plan to refer retired sumo grand champion Harumafuji, seen in this file photo, to prosecutors soon on suspicion of assaulting fellow Mongolian wrestler Takanoiwa in October 2017 and may also attach a recommendation that he be indicted, investigative sources said on Dec. 4. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo

Sumo: Grand champion Harumafuji retires

Sumo: Grand champion Harumafuji retires

Sumo grand champion Harumafuji, seen in this file photo taken after a morning practice in Nagoya in July 2009, announced his retirement on Nov. 29, 2017, admitting to assaulting fellow Mongolian wrestler Takanoiwa in late October. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo

Sumo: Grand champion Harumafuji retires

Sumo: Grand champion Harumafuji retires

People look at a TV screen in Tokyo on Nov. 29, 2017, reporting sumo grand champion Harumafuji's retirement over an assault in late October on fellow Mongolian wrestler Takanoiwa. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo

Sumo: Grand champion Harumafuji retires

Sumo: Grand champion Harumafuji retires

Sumo grand champion Harumafuji bows in apology during a press conference in Dazaifu, Fukuoka Prefecture, on Nov. 29, 2017, where he announced his retirement over an assault in late October on fellow Mongolian wrestler Takanoiwa. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo

Sumo: Grand champion Harumafuji retires

Sumo: Grand champion Harumafuji retires

Sumo grand champion Harumafuji (C) leaves a press conference in Dazaifu, Fukuoka Prefecture, on Nov. 29, 2017, after announcing his retirement over an assault in late October on fellow Mongolian wrestler Takanoiwa. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo

Sumo: Grand champion Harumafuji retires over assault

Sumo: Grand champion Harumafuji retires over assault

Sumo grand champion Harumafuji (R) announces his retirement at a press conference in Dazaifu, southwestern Japan, on Nov. 29, 2017, after admitting to assaulting fellow Mongolian wrestler Takanoiwa in late October. Harumafuji's stablemaster Isegahama can be seen in the background. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo

Sumo: Grand champion Harumafuji retires over assault

Sumo: Grand champion Harumafuji retires over assault

Sumo grand champion Harumafuji announces his retirement at a press conference in Dazaifu, southwestern Japan, on Nov. 29, 2017, after admitting to assaulting fellow Mongolian wrestler Takanoiwa in late October. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo

Sumo: Grand champion Harumafuji retires over assault

Sumo: Grand champion Harumafuji retires over assault

Sumo grand champion Harumafuji announces his retirement at a press conference in Dazaifu, southwestern Japan, on Nov. 29, 2017, after admitting to assaulting fellow Mongolian wrestler Takanoiwa in late October. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo

Sumo: Grand champion Harumafuji retires over assault

Sumo: Grand champion Harumafuji retires over assault

Sumo grand champion Harumafuji (R) and his stablemaster Isegahama bow in apology at a press conference in Dazaifu, southwestern Japan, on Nov. 29, 2017. Harumafuji put an end to his 17-year sumo career after admitting to assaulting fellow Mongolian wrestler Takanoiwa in late October. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo

Sumo: Grand champion Harumafuji retires over assault

Sumo: Grand champion Harumafuji retires over assault

Sumo stablemaster Isegahama (R) and grand champion Harumafuji (2nd from R) leave after attending a press conference in Dazaifu, southwestern Japan, on Nov. 29, 2017. Harumafuji announced his retirement, admitting to assaulting fellow Mongolian wrestler Takanoiwa in late October. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo

Sumo: Grand champion Harumafuji retires over drunken assault

Sumo: Grand champion Harumafuji retires over drunken assault

Sumo grand champion Harumafuji looks down during a press conference in Dazaifu, southwestern Japan, on Nov. 29, 2017. Harumafuji announced his retirement, admitting to injuring fellow Mongolian wrestler Takanoiwa in a drunken assault in late October. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo

Sumo: Grand champion Harumafuji retires over drunken assault

Sumo: Grand champion Harumafuji retires over drunken assault

Sumo grand champion Harumafuji becomes tearful during a press conference in Dazaifu, southwestern Japan, on Nov. 29, 2017. Harumafuji announced his retirement, admitting to injuring fellow Mongolian wrestler Takanoiwa in a drunken assault in late October. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo

Sumo: Grand champion Harumafuji retires over drunken assault

Sumo: Grand champion Harumafuji retires over drunken assault

Sumo grand champion Harumafuji (R), alongside his stablemaster Isegahama, speaks at a press conference in Dazaifu, southwestern Japan, on Nov. 29, 2017. Harumafuji announced his retirement, admitting to injuring fellow Mongolian wrestler Takanoiwa in a drunken assault in late October. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo

Sumo: Harumafuji career highlights

Sumo: Harumafuji career highlights

Grand champion Harumafuji (C front) celebrates after winning his ninth career title at the Autumn Grand Sumo Tournament in Tokyo in September 2017. Harumafuji announced his retirement on Nov. 29, admitting to injuring fellow Mongolian wrestler Takanoiwa in a drunken assault in late October. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo

Sumo: Grand champion Harumafuji retires over drunken assault

Sumo: Grand champion Harumafuji retires over drunken assault

Sumo grand champion Harumafuji (L) prepares to get in a car before heading to a press conference in Dazaifu, southwestern Japan, on Nov. 29, 2017. Harumafuji later announced his retirement, admitting to injuring fellow Mongolian wrestler Takanoiwa in a drunken assault in late October. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo

Sumo: Grand champion Harumafuji retires over drunken assault

Sumo: Grand champion Harumafuji retires over drunken assault

Sumo grand champion Harumafuji (R) and his stablemaster Isegahama bow in apology at a press conference in Dazaifu, southwestern Japan, on Nov. 29, 2017. Harumafuji announced his retirement, admitting to injuring fellow Mongolian wrestler Takanoiwa in a drunken assault in late October. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo

Sumo: Grand champion Harumafuji retires over drunken assault

Sumo: Grand champion Harumafuji retires over drunken assault

Sumo grand champion Harumafuji announces his retirement at a press conference in Dazaifu, southwestern Japan, on Nov. 29, 2017 after admitting to injuring fellow Mongolian wrestler Takanoiwa in a drunken assault in late October. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo

Police quiz sumo grand champ Hakuho as witness in assault case

Police quiz sumo grand champ Hakuho as witness in assault case

Sumo grand champion Hakuho is surrounded by the media in Fukuoka on Nov. 28, 2017, after coming out of a hotel, where he was questioned by police as one of the witnesses of fellow yokozuna Harumafuji's drunken assault of lower-ranked wrestler Takanoiwa in late October. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo

Police quiz sumo grand champ Hakuho as witness in assault case

Police quiz sumo grand champ Hakuho as witness in assault case

Sumo grand champion Hakuho is surrounded by the media in Fukuoka on Nov. 28, 2017, after coming out of a hotel, where he was questioned by police as one of the witnesses of fellow yokozuna Harumafuji's drunken assault of lower-ranked wrestler Takanoiwa in late October. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo

Police quiz sumo grand champ Hakuho as witness in assault case

Police quiz sumo grand champ Hakuho as witness in assault case

Sumo grand champion Hakuho is surrounded by the media in Fukuoka on Nov. 28, 2017, after coming out of a hotel, where he was questioned by police as one of the witnesses of fellow yokozuna Harumafuji's drunken assault of lower-ranked wrestler Takanoiwa in late October. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo

Police quiz sumo grand champ Hakuho as witness in assault case

Police quiz sumo grand champ Hakuho as witness in assault case

Sumo grand champion Hakuho is surrounded by the media in Fukuoka on Nov. 28, 2017, after coming out of a hotel, where he was questioned by police as one of the witnesses of fellow yokozuna Harumafuji's drunken assault of lower-ranked wrestler Takanoiwa in late October. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo

Sumo: Grand champion Harumafuji's assault hitting ancient sport

Sumo: Grand champion Harumafuji's assault hitting ancient sport

Sumo stablemaster Takanohana is surrounded by reporters and camera crews in Tokyo on Nov. 27, 2017. The sumo world has been hit by grand champion Harumafuji's drunken assault on Takanoiwa, one of the Takanohana stable's wrestlers, in late October. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo