TOKYO, March 11 (Reuters) - Former firebrand sumo grand champion Asashoryu on Thursday denied accusations he broke a man's nose in a drunken fight.

The Mongolian, whose real name is Dolgorsurengiin Dagvadorj, also claimed his decision to quit sumo amid the furore was partly down to forces inside Japan's ancient sport who wanted him gone.

"I didn't commit an act of violence," the 29-year-old told a news conference in Ulan Bator. "But I don't regret my decision to retire from sumo."