Hakuho, sumo's greatest ever wrestler, is given humiliating demotion after he is held responsible for violent acts carried out by his 22-year-old protégé

The greatest sumo wrestler in history will be demoted to the lowest rank of sumo 'elders' after being held responsible for a newcomer's violent behaviour.

Hakuho, real name Monkybatyn Davaajargal, 38, originally from Mongolia, is the most successful sumo wrestler of all time. 

Since retirement from the 2,000-year-old sport, Hakuho went on to run the Miyagino stable where sumo wrestlers live and train.

One of the wrestlers under his wing, 22-year-old newcomer Hokuseiho, has been violent to other wrestlers and his master, Hakuho should have reported it, but didn't.

Japanese news outlet NHK reported that The Japan Sumo Association launched a probe after receiving a tip via social media in January about the conduct of Hokuseiho.

It says the 22-year-old has admitted to slapping the face of two junior wrestlers and striking them with a broom handle.

The vice president of the British Sumo Union, Scott Findlay revealed more violent behaviour by Hokuseiho.

This includes hitting people with sticks and burning them with a lighter and spray can.

Findlay also reported that on top of the bullying and violence, the young wrestler was apparently stealing.

Speaking about Hakuho and why he didn't report the behaviour, he said: 'Due to his status and career, he has been very popular and seems to be everywhere doing everything so who knows how much actual time he has spent in the heya (training quarters).'

Hokuseiho, who is a towering 6'8, weighing in at nearly 30 stone is said to be up and coming but is now being advised to retire for his bad behaviour.

Hakuho, 38, originally from Mongolia, is the most successful sumo wrestler of all time

Hokuseiho, 22, is a newcomer and is up and coming but is already being advised to retire

Hakuho, whose responsibility it is to watch over the wrestlers in his stable is due to be demoted by two levels as a punishment - meaning he will be the lowest rank a sumo elder can possibly be.

Not only will his honour be damaged, but also his wallet; a pay cut is expected. 

President of the British Sumo federation, Steve Pateman, said: 'Sumo is a tough sport.

'The training to get to the top is hard.

'In the last century discipline was probably too harsh and the 21st Century saw improvements.

'Any inappropriate actions within the Sumo stables are nowadays quickly dealt with by the Japanese Sumo Association.

'Hakuho probably wasn't even present at the time but as head of his stable he takes full responsibility.

'The Japan Sumo Association acted swiftly, Hakuho is a fair man who will sort the problem out immediately and will be reinstated in a few months.'

Hakuho is 6'4 and weighs a lumbering 24 stone.

He was made a yokozuna, meaning a grand master, at the age of 22 - something that is said to be extremely hard to become.

In order to become a yokozuna, one must prove themselves to be exceptional and be nominated - but it is no wonder Hakuho received the honour. 

His track record is remarkable and he truly is a legend of the ancient sport. He has won 45 championship titles - the most ever. He has had seven consecutive wins - the most ever. He has had 84 tournaments as a grand campion - the most ever. And he has won 1,187 bouts - again, the most ever.

When he was made into a yokozuna, he was the 69th the sport had seen.

He isn't only a champion in the sport, he has also championed the sport. With other successful Mongolians he helped to bring back the popularity when it began to decline some years ago, with sports fans beginning to favour more Western activities such as baseball.

Somewhat of a maverick, Hakuho was always quite an unorthodox character. this was evident in his habit of roaring with triumph when he won  a bout - something that is traditionally frowned upon in the ironically highly civilized sport.

The sumo legend hasn't always been as respected as he was in the height of his glimmering career. Back when he began, he was rejected time and time again to join a stable and become a professional sumo wrestler due to the fact that he was a puny nine-and-a-half stone.

The retired sumo legend in host post-wrestling job as the master of the Miyagino stable

Violent and bullying behaviour such as Hokuseiho has been found guilty of is not uncommon in the world of sumo wrestling.

Nasty treatment of younger wrsetlers is often masked as teaching them how to be tough.

Sometimes the violent behaviour leads to even more sinister activity.

The Times reported that a in 2007 a 17-year-old in the sumo industry was beaten to death with a baseball bat.

The newspaper also reported that the Hakuho's predecessor at the Miyagino stable, Kazuyuki Yamamura was convicted in 2016 for sticking needles down an employees finger nails and smashing them with a baseball bat. He is reported to have also threatened to both crush the employees testicles and also to pop their eyes out.