Hakuho’s legend grows by the match. His intensity, almost ruthlessness, in the ring is an utmost virtue in American athletics. You do what you need to do win, within the rules, of course…unless you’re the Patriots. He revealed that a nagging injury returned in the third match but he was still able to persevere and go undefeated. The guy is amazing. If Hakuho were an NFL team, he’d be the Montana/Young 49ers + Aikman Cowboys + Favre Packers. In Japan, a senshuraku henka controversy counts as the scandalous equivalent of texting dick pics to a masseuse (bad joke context).
May 2016
Tochinoshin, Mitakeumi Awarded Special Prizes
Tochinoshin was awarded the technique prize and Mitakeumi won the Fighting Spirit prize. I can’t help but think that Endo would have won a prize if he’d been able to win today.
In another story line, Kaisei beat an unmotivated Tochiozan easily to get his kachi-koshi and likely promotion to sekiwake for the July tournament. All I have got to say after this one is, Yeesh…. Tochiozan looked like Marcus Davis on a called run. He took today off. Ikioi would have brought it.
Kaisei Determined To Win
At a few points in today’s bout with Kotoyuki, Kaisei looked like he was done. The win, though, staved off makekoshi and even left the door open for a winning record should he beat Tochiozan tomorrow.
I was particularly impressed with today’s win because it came against a tough opponent who really dominated the match until the last seconds. There were several occasions where Kaisei was backed up on the straw bales but he kept pushing and kept pushing. That’s not what I am used to from him, quite frankly.
He’s still a win away but with a win, he’ll be the only kachi-koshi wrestler between Ozeki and M4W, Tochinoshin. Meanwhile, Endo is still in the race for a Jun-Yusho. Takekaze will be fighting for a winning record but Endo will be fighting for so much more. Special Prize?
Hakuho Yusho!
Hakuho won his 37th yusho when Kisenosato fell to Kakuryu on the last bout of the day. Just before, Hakuho withstood a great challenge from Harumafuji, securing his 28th win in a row. Tomorrow he will aim to keep the streak alive against Kakuryu. Kisenosato’s 10th jun-yusho must feel particularly bitter tasting.