Re: No turning back for former sumo grand champion Akebono

"Leigh Melton" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote in message
news:[EMAIL PROTECTED]
>
http://www.utusan.com.my/utusan/content.asp?y=2003&dt=1120&pub=Utusan_Expres
s&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

======

K-1 is a fake trash sport.

It's entertainment.

The fights are scripted.

Only dolts think that it's "real".