TOKYO (Reuters) -Akebono, an American-born sumo wrestler who became the first non-Japanese grand champion or "yokozuna", died of heart failure this month in Tokyo, the sumo association said on Thursday. He was 54.
The winner of 11 championships - the 10th most in modern sumo history - Akebono was physically imposing at 203 centimeters (6'8") and 233 kilograms (514 lb). His fighting style relied on his immense size to thrust his foes out of the ring.
