The 70th sumo yokozuna (grand champion) Harumafuji D.Byambadorj was involved in a drunken brawl late last October. According to the Japanese sports newspaper Sponichi, Harumafuji hit fellow Mongolian sumo wrestler Takanoiwa A.Baasandorj with a beer bottle during a night out on October 26. Yokozuna Hakuho M.Davaajargal denied the report and said, “I was with Harumafuji and Takanoiwa when they were drinking. Harumafuji D.Byambadorj didn’t beat A.Baasandorj with a beer bottle. He was holding a beer bottle in his hand at the time, but the bottle wasn’t broken on Takanoiwa’s head. I settled their argument and they apologized to each other the next day.” After the brawl, Takanoiwa was reportedly hospitalized for concussion and skull fracture. “Regarding Takanoiwa’s injury, I sincerely apologize for causing trouble to his stablemaster, his stable, the Japan Sumo Association and my stablemaster,” Harumafuji told local media on Tuesday. “I cannot comment further until my stablemaster comes back.” The Japan Sumo Association said a crisis management team will investigate the issue but will not hand down its ruling or punishment during the Kyushu Basho (November grand sumo tournament).