Currently working on my deep dive on Hoshoryu’s Nagoya performance — hoping to have that to you tomorrow. I’m working on that because, before the basho, Hoshoryu won our spotlight poll to determine who would get an extra detailed write-up.
With the aki basho coming at us this weekend, it’s time to figure out who I’m going to profile extensively for that tournament.
I’m going to try something different this time. So far our spotlights have focused on elite wrestlers and those who challenge for the title (save for Ura). This time around I’d like to focus on the lower third of the banzuke and profile someone who is not likely to be chasing the Emperor’s Cup this month.
Here are who I’m proposing as spotlight candidates this time around:
Tamawashi: If he makes it through three bouts this tournament, he’ll take the record for most consecutive career bouts. If we look deeper we might discover the secret of his longevity.
Bushozan: He scored his first makuuchi kachi-koshi in Nagoya. Was it a fluke? Or has Bushozan found a way to be competitive despite his size? Let’s find out.
Nishikifuji: Somehow Nishikifuji was not demoted to juryo for this tournament. He’s been allowed to keep his cellar-dweller rank of M17. How does he react to this improbable second chance?
Onokatsu and Shirokuma: I am really high on the potential of both these wrestlers so I’m excited to see them compete in their debut makuuchi tournament. We can introduce ourselves to their style with a spotlight post.
As always, feel free to write in more suggestions in the comments below.
If a wrestler in the comments gets the most likes/votes then they’ll win this poll.
Next up, our Hoshoryu/2024 Nagoya spotlight — that will be coming to you very soon. Then, all eyes on aki.
Best!
Tim
PS. Check out my breakdown of the aki banzuke over on Combat Press! (link)
I’m a sucker for an Ironman streak. I’d love to know more about how anyone can possibly stay healthy enough in sumo to pull that off.