Police announced a probe Wednesday into sumo yokozuna Harumafuji's alleged assault on fellow Mongolian wrestler Takanoiwa late last month after the suspected brawl left the victim with serious injuries.
The investigation into the drunken brawl began after the victim's stablemaster reported the incident to police late last month. On Tuesday, Harumafuji offered an apology but did not elaborate on the incident.
According to sources, Harumafuji, a nine-time tournament winner, was drinking with a group of around 10 sumo wrestlers in late October during a regional tour in Tottori, when the yokozuna, angered by Takanoiwa's attitude, struck him with a beer bottle.