Mongolian sumo superstar M.Davaajargal, better known as Hakuho, will go into next month’s Kyushu Grand Sumo Tournament in the top east yokozuna slot, according to the latest ranking released by the Japan Sumo Association on Monday.

The 33-year-old Mongolian who came off with a perfect 15-0 record in September’s Autumn tournament, now has his sights set on a record-extending 42^nd career title. Although he has only one championship to his name this year, Hakuho is an eight-time winner in Fukuoka and is the defending champion.

If Hakuho manages another title with a 15-0 record at the tournament starting on 11 November, it will be the first time he has gone 15-0 in two straight tournaments in over five years.

However, there are concerns over his fitness after he underwent endoscopic surgery on his right knee earlier this month.