Antonio Inoki (1943–2022), Japanese combat sports pioneer
by
by
2 min readAntonio Inoki was a Japanese professional wrestler and combat sports pioneer who fought Muhammad Ali to a draw in an exhibition match in 1976.
- Died: Saturday, October 1, 2022. (Who else died on October 1?)
- Details of death: Died in Tokyo, Japan at the age of 79.
- We invite you to share condolences for Antonio Inoki in our Guest Book.
Combat Sports Pioneer
Antonio Inoki was a star professional wrestler in Japan, winning the WWF championship and being inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame. On June 26, 1976, he fought heavyweight champion Muhammad Ali in an exhibition match at Shea Stadium. The boxer versus wrestler match was a preview of what would later become mixed martial arts fighting. The bout ended in a draw with Ali suffering leg injuries from Anoki’s wrestling moves. As a wrestler, he fought legends including Hulk Hogan and Big Van Vader. Inoki negotiated with Saddam Hussein in 1996 and helped facilitate the release of 36 Japanese hostages and later became a politician in Japan.
Notable Quote
“Perhaps last summer I was too serious.” “I was doing my best to win. It wasn’t a fake fight or it would have been more interesting.” - 1977 interview with the New York Times regarding his fight with Ali
Tributes to Antonio Inoki
Full Obituary: New York Times
TAGS
