Ozeki Harumafuji has been suffering from pain in his buttocks for a while, as we remember. It was found that he had a tumor so large it reached 5 places including his intestines. At the beginning of the month he had it removed in a serious procedure (remained in hospital for two days) and is now ready to tackle the future.
His 8-7 performance in what was supposed to be a tsuna run in September is attributed to this malaise. This is the reason he did not face any of the top rankers during last week's YDC soken. His first real keiko was yesterday at Miyagino where he faced newmaku compatriot Kyokushuuhou for about ten bouts. "I think it still hurts when he puts his mawashi on tightly.." said a worried but a bit less Isegahama Oyakata.
It seems a major hindrance is behind him (...) and he is ready to tackle the future. He is slated to go to Ooshima beya for keiko today, and intends to train hard for the coming basho in the coming days of the coming year.
Kintamayama (sumoforum)
