Sumo wrestlers promote tour along 'Mag Mile'

May 26, 2006 (Last Updated: 6:12:53 PM) (WLS) -- Shoppers on Michigan Avenue Friday morning were sent into a state of total shock when 11 giant sumo wrestlers appeared out of nowhere, wearing almost nothing.

There was no stopping these gargantuan guys. They were on a mission to promote their World Sumo League bouts Saturday night at the Allstate Arena. So they walked, or waddled, from Michigan Avenue and Ohio Street all the way to the Old Water Tower.

"I've never seen anything like it in my whole life," said one bystander.

"I like the one in the front with the black curly hair. He looks good," said another bystander.

At Water Tower Park, the hype continued with a weigh-in and the numbers were numbing. One wrestler weighed in at 463 pounds.

"Yeah, I'm definitely a good athlete," said Hans Blom, 463 Pound Sumo Wrestler.

Blom says it is important for them to stay in good shape.

"Yeah, because to be a good sumo you've got to be in good shape or else you get killed," said Blom.

"I think it's amazing. I think it's really cool," said another bystander.

A good sumo wrestler can earn a couple hundred thousand dollars a season, but you need money like that to pay for your food.

"Ten double cheeseburgers and a couple drinks -- in one meal, one sitting. Then a half hour later eat again," said Onipaa Paaaina, Professional Sumo Wrestler.

Big surprise -- the wrestlers ate after their strenuous five block walk.

Click here for more information on the World Sumo League 2006 World Tour.

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