Sumo world shocked by death of 54-year-old champion Akebono Taro

The legendary sumo wrestler, Akebono Taro, has been declared dead due to a major heart failure at the age of 54. He was the first non-Japanese wrestler to reach 'grand champion' status in ancient sport.

According to the Japanese publication, Kyodo, the cause of death was related to acute cardiovascular problems. A sad loss for the sumo wrestling world that mourns one of its legends.

There has been a lack of transparency regarding his exact time of death, and the date is yet to be confirmed.

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Born in Waimanalo (Hawaii) in 1969, Chad George Haaheo Rowan developed a love for the sport. At the peak of his career, he was 203 cm (6'5ft) tall and weighed over 233 kilos (513 pounds).

Akebono began his career in 1988 when he was only 19 years old. The Hawaiian wrestler embarked on a journey filled with great victories and big titles, earning up to 11 makuuchi championships. His record spoke for itself, a total of 654 victories and 232 losses overall.

His great talent excelled him through the ranks, and in 1993 he reached the highest possible rank in the sumo world: 'yokozuna'. He became the 64th fighter to achieve such a title, and the first 'gaijin' non-Japanese fighter.

In 1996, Akebono Taro was granted Japanese citizenship, which was a great honor for him. He competed as a Japanese citizen during his last years as a wrestler.

He was such a revered figure in Japanese culture, he was granted the chance to represent the country in the 'dohyō iri' ritual, during the opening ceremonies of the Nagano 1998 Winter Olympics.

The great Hawaiian sumo wrestler would cash in after the New Year's Great Sumo Tournament. He announced he would retire from the sport and dedicate his skills to recruiting future sumo stars at the Higashi Seki stable.

Just two years after retirement, Akebono would surprise the world by starting a career in mixed martial arts between 2003 and 2006.

Why did he take up fighting again? A complicated financial situation faced the former sumo wrestling champion in a ring. He was riddled with debts and unsuccessful businesses and was forced to step back into fighting. This new adventure would help him recover financially but would suffer 12 losses and 1 victory.

After his short-lived MMA experience, he would also try professional wrestling, making a massive debut in 2005 against Big Show in WWE. He would remain in the professional wrestling business until 2013. A sad loss for many of his fans around the world. May he rest in peace.

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