Former yokozuna and an impresive 31x Champion Chinofuji died late Sunday in Tokyo.
Chinofuji, real name Mitsugu Akimoto was the first sumo wrestler to receive People’s Honor Award in 1989 and ranks 3rd in championships!
Chinofuji was a Hokkaido native, his nickname was Wolf and he was promoted to the highest rank back in 1981 when he won his 2nd championship as ozeki, the sports 2nd rank.
He retired in 1991 following 53 straight victories, 3rd longest streak since the start of the Showa era. His victories span from November of 1988 until 1990 and he was the first to win 1000 fights!
He died following a long struggle with pancreatic cancer. Our thoughts and prayers and with his family and friends at this difficult time.
