No turning back for former sumo grand champion Akebono

http://www.utusan.com.my/utusan/content.asp?y=2003&dt=1120&pub=Utusan_Express&sec=Sports&pg=sp_02.htm

A pic of Akebono stretching is included at the above URL.  It looks
like he's dyed his hair brown.



No turning back for former sumo grand champion Akebono

TOKYO Nov 19 - Former sumo wrestler Akebono admits he's worried about
his upcoming K-1 debut against former NFL lineman Bobb Sapp but knows
there's no turning back now.

``Sure, this is a totally new experience for me so I'm worried about
everything,'' Akebono said Wednesday after a training session in
Tokyo. ``In sumo, you pretty much know your opponents strengths
because you practice against them. In the case of Sapp, I have no idea
how strong he is and no idea what to expect.''

Akebono, a Hawaii native who was the first foreigner to reach sumo's
highest rank of grand champion, severed all ties with Japan's ancient
sport earlier this month in order to take up a career in K-1, a brutal
sport that combines elements of kickboxing, karate and taekwando.

He is scheduled to take on Sapp on Dec. 31 at Nagoya Dome.

Sporting dyed hair and an earring, Akebono said he tried boxing once
as a kid but things didn't work out.

``When I was 11-years-old, I tried it,'' said Akebono. ``I got knocked
out by the coach and quit.''

The 6-foot-9, 484 pound Akebono will rely on his size and has been
working on his punches for the bout against Sapp, who stands 6-foot-7
and weighs 350 pounds.

Akebono's trainer Steve Kalakoda, who has worked with K-1 fighter Mike
Bernardo and several boxing heavyweights, said the soft-spoken Akebono
has been working on a left hook and will have some things working in
his favor when he steps into the ring.

``Akebono has enormous power,'' said Kalakoda. ``I've worked with
several heavyweights over the years and I can tell you he has enormous
power. But its going to take more than a left hook to beat Sapp.''

In Wednesday's sparring session, Akebono landed a few solid lefts but
was slow in moving about the ring. The gimpy knees that forced him to
retire from sumo two years ago will be vulnerable in any sport that
allows kicking.

``I've been training very hard,'' said Akebono. ``I feel a lot lighter
than when I was in sumo. My knees are feeling a lot better but I've
decided to do this so even if they weren't, I wouldn't tell you.''

In sumo, Akebono relied on a thrusting and lunging technique that he
used to overwhelm his opponents on his way to winning 11 Emperor's
Cups.

Sapp, nicknamed ``The Beast,'' has made a name for himself in Japan
through K-1 since giving up on his career with the Minnesota Vikings.
While he's enjoyed some success in the ring, he is 4-3 and lost his
last bout.

Many in the sport feel he is past his prime.

K-1 is wildly popular in Japan, where bouts are regularly staged
before crowds of up to 70,000. The sport has held events in Europe and
the United States and is seeking expansion those markets. - AP
--
Consequences, shmonsequences, as long as I'm rich.  - D. Duck