From Chicago Sun-Times · · 1m 50s
Chicago truck driver's pro sumo wrestling debut
Chicago truck driver Ruperto Cintron competes in U.S. sumo league after two years of training.
In brief
Chicago truck driver Ruperto Cintron competes in U.S. sumo league after two years of training. Chicago truck driver Ruperto Cintron lost his third pro sumo match in 6 seconds at the Sumo Championship League's second event. Originally reported by Chicago Sun-Times.
Sumo debut
Chicago truck driver Ruperto Cintron made his pro sumo wrestling debut at the Sumo Championship League's second event.
Event details
The Sumo Championship League held its second event at Credit Union 1 Arena on November 7, 2026.
Cintron's background
Cintron, a 51-year-old Chicago-area truck driver, began sumo wrestling two years ago.
Wrestling challenge
Cintron competed against fellow wrestler Jabari Webb in his third and final match of the night.
Match outcome
Cintron lost his third bout in just six seconds after being pushed toward the ring's left edge.
Wrestling technique
Cintron tried to throw Webb out of the ring using Webb's momentum against him.
Match result
Cintron touched the mat outside the ring first and lost his match, eliminating him from the tournament.
Sumo rules
Sumo has no weight classes, with wrestlers ranging from 400 pounds up competing against fighters half their weight.
Photography details
Photographer Tyler Pasciak LaRiviere used a Nikon Z9 with 24-70mm F/2.8 Lens at 70mm focal length.
Technical specs
The photo was taken at 1/800 exposure with ISO 6400 for the fast-moving action.
Sumo rituals
Wrestlers must bow, give respectful taunts, and place fists on the mat before fights begin.
Sumo ref
The gyōji, or ref, signals the start of a fight with a yell after fighters complete rituals.
Sumo history
This was the Sumo Championship League's second event since its inception.
Cintron's future
Cintron continues learning Japanese terms for sumo wrestling as he progresses in the sport.
The one thing
Chicago truck driver Ruperto Cintron lost his third pro sumo match in 6 seconds at the Sumo Championship League's second event.
