Sumo's Muhammed Ali

Q&A from the World

Sumo's Muhammed Ali
by Mark Pharo, 1/11/97

Dear Konishiki, I have been a fan of Sumo ever since I was about 7 and I saw Takamiyama on ABC sports! When I was visiting my wife in Japan where she taught for a year, I became hooked on Sumo. My wife and I are very active in the local Japan Exchange Teachers' Alumni Association here in Atlanta, Georgia, and we have become very good friends with several Americans who want to form a sumo club. Since we cannot get NHK here we have to depend on friends in Japan to send us video tapes of the Basho. So far we have not formed a club, but we know of dozens of people who want to join, both to watch and to practice sumo. One of our friends was in a sumo club at the highschool that he taught at in Chiba City, so he and I are contacting the Sumo Federation to find out what we need to do to form a club. I have to tell you, you are a great inspiration to me and to all other Americans who watch sumo, we always root for you to win! You have had me worried, however, about your health and weight, but you have come through. Whenever you are feeling down, remember that you have dozens of hard-core fans in Atlanta! You always will be number 1 with us! Just like Muhammed Ali the boxer, you have faced adversity and criticism with dignity and have shown all of your detractors that you are a class act, on and off the dohyo. If you ever come to Atlanta, call me and I will prepare a Southern BBQ for you! If you like poi you will love Southern style pork ribs! Take care and stay in good health!



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