The Japan Sumo Association has said it will make a retirement settlement with former yokozuna Asashoryu, who last week quit the sport following allegations he attacked a man outside a Tokyo night club while drunk. The amount has not been disclosed, but according to a source close to the JSA, it is believed Asashoryu will receive about USD1.2 million in retirement benefits. 

Such money is always paid to sumo elders who reach retirement age as well as to grand champions and ozeki when they decide to step down from the raised ring, with the figure normally based on achievements in the ring.

The 29-year-old will also be paid about USD400,000 in pension and an additional bonus for his years of service in sumo. Former yokozuna Takanohana, a 22-time Emperor’s Cup winner, was awarded the biggest ever payout of a little more than USD1.5 million when he retired in 2003.

Former yokozuna Futahaguro, who went missing and eventually split with his stablemaster in 1987, received nothing.

The JSA has not announced the retirement amounts of wrestlers since 2004.

Asashoryu owns the Asa Group, the Asa Circus and Dream Land Nursing House. He is believeed to be considering investing in a golf course and in mining.