Antonio Inoki, Japanese pro-wrestler politician with N.Korea ties, dies

Antonio Inoki Dies: Wrestling Legend Who Fought Muhammad Ali To A Draw Was 79

Antonio Inoki, whose most famous moment on the world stage was an unorthodox exhibition match against boxing champion Muhammad Ali that aimed to settle which sport could beat the other, died Friday in Japan. He was 79 and no cause of death was released. Inoki was considered a combat sports trailblazer, but also was a […]

New Japan Pro Wrestling founder Antonio Inoki passes away at 79

He entered the world of Japanese professional wrestling at age of 17 under his real name in Tokyo at Taito Ward Gymnasium. He changed his name to 'Antonio Inoki' in 1962.

Pro-wrestler, politician and hostage negotiator Antonio Inoki dies at 79

The late wrestler was known for pioneering mixed martial arts, freeing hostages in Iraq and organizing a wrestling match in North Korea that became the biggest-pay-per-view in pro-wrestling history. (Image credit: Yoshikazu Tsuno /AFP via Getty Images)

Japanese wrestler and politician Antonio Inoki dies at 79

A Japanese professional wrestler and lawmaker Antonio Inoki, who faced a world boxing champion Muhammad Ali in a mixed martial arts match in 1976, has died at age 79

Antonio Inoki, Japanese pro wrestler and politician who faced Muhammad Ali, dead at 79

Inoki rose to global fame in the sport in 1976 when he faced Ali in a mixed martial arts match at Tokyo’s Budokan hall, an exhibition match that Japanese fans remember as “the fight of the century.”

Antonio Inoki, Japanese pro wrestling legend, dead at 76

Antonio Inoki, a legendary Japanese pro wrestler, promoter and politician who faced Muhammad Ali in a mixed-martial arts match in 1976, died Saturday. He was 76.