WWE legend Akebono dead – Sumo star who faced Big Show at WrestleMania dies aged 54 after suffering heart failure

A LEGENDARY sumo wrestler has died in Japan at the age of 54.

Akebono Taro, who won 11 grand tournaments during his career, died from heart failure, according to local reports.

EPASumo grand champion Akebono[/caption]

GettyAkebono, from Hawaii, died earlier this month after his condition deteriorated[/caption]

GettyAkebono and Big Show during WrestleMania 21[/caption]

He had been battling an illness since collapsing in Kitakyushu in Japan seven years ago and had reportedly been in hospital near Tokyo.

Hawaii-born Akebono died earlier this month while he was receiving treatment, his family said.

In a statement released by Hawaii Gov Josh Green, they said: “It is with sadness that we announce Akebono Taro died of heart failure earlier this month while receiving care at a hospital in the Tokyo area.”

Akebono moved to Tokyo in the late 1980s and made his sumo debut in March 1988.

He reached the top division two years later – and won his first grand championship in 1993.

After becoming the first-ever foreign-born grand champion – sumo’s highest rank – he opened the door for other foreign wrestlers to find success in the sport.

In 2005, Akebono competed against The Big Show at WrestleMania 21 in Los Angeles.

At the prime of his career, he reportedly weighed 500lbs and stood at 6ft8ins.

The United States ambassador to Japan, Rahm Emanuel, paid tribute to Akebono – describing him as a “giant in the world of sumo”.

He said: “I was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Akebono, a giant in the world of sumo, a proud Hawaiian and a bridge between the United States and Japan, Emanuel posted.”

Akebono is survived by his wife, daughter and two sons.

A private funeral will be held for the sumo legend.

More follows.