Sumo Forum's Favourite Sekitori 2025, Hexadecafinals part 3 (of 6)

[Jejima 1,415]

Please refer to this thread for explanation.

Please choose your favourite 2025 sekitori in each of these pairings. The winners will progress to the next round.

There is a window of 24 - 25 hours to vote. 

This poll is anonymous (although moderators can see who voted, to make sure there is no rigging of the vote), but please feel free to add your comments below.

There are 16 'bouts' in the Hexadecafinals, leaving two 'gaps' in the 6 days of voting. Hence the 'blast from the past vote' which was randomly selected for today. There will be a second 'blast from the past vote' to be randomly selected for another day of Hexadecafinals voting.

[Athenayama 1,080]

Choosing my words very carefully otherwise I'll expect a comment from Jakusotsu....

Going with fragile ankles.

Takanosho by far.

Akebono not by that far.

[Wakawakawaka 160]

Shishi hasn't made much of an impression on me yet, Takanosho's sumo doesn't make much of an impression either, but he seems like quite the amicable fella, always busts out a big smile in interviews.

[Katooshu 3,335]

I'm a bit surprised Musashimaru is beating Akebono so handily (13-7 at time of posting). Akebono being such a notable figure historically as the first foreign yokozuna made me think he would score more votes. I think it was Akebono 7-6 earlier, so quite the swing. 

Takerufuji over Onosato is also surprising to me, especially considering it was 8-5 Onosato a couple hours ago. With Onosato having the rank and a less interrupted hype train, I expected him to win.

Looks like we could have our first ozeki elimination unless it swings the other way again.

Edited February 18 by Katooshu

[Oshirokita 192]

Likewise very surprised Akebono is behind. He was my favorite during his day. Closely followed by Terao.

[Bunbukuchagama 772]

  On 18/02/2025 at 02:24, Katooshu said:

I'm a bit surprised Musashimaru is beating Akebono so handily (13-7 at time of posting). Akebono being such a notable figure historically as the first foreign yokozuna made me think he would score more votes. I think it was Akebono 7-6 earlier, so quite the swing. 

Takerufuji over Onosato is also surprising to me, especially considering it was 8-5 Onosato a couple hours ago. With Onosato having the rank and a less interrupted hype train, I expected him to win.

Looks like we could have our first ozeki elimination unless it swings the other way again.

This is a low point for Onosato's popularity. His killer instinct is being questioned.

But I am also surprised by Akebono losing to Musashimaru. Why?

[Wakawakawaka 160]

I saw Musashimaru more as a kid back in 1999 when Akebono was out a bit , plus Musashimaru is an oyakata now, and his appearences on the NHK programs I've seen are always entertaining.

[Bunbukuchagama 772]

  On 18/02/2025 at 05:42, Wakawakawaka said:

I saw Musashimaru more as a kid back in 1999 when Akebono was out a bit , plus Musashimaru is an oyakata now, and his appearences on the NHK programs I've seen are always entertaining.

Well, it's difficult for Akebono to compete with this considering that he is... not exactly alive.