Antonio Inoki
Former Japanese professional wrestler Antonio Inoki, who once fought against Muhammad Ali, dies
Tokyo: Ex-Japanese professional wrestler and one of the most popular sports personalities of the country Antonio Inoki has died, The New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW) confirmed on Saturday.
According to reports, he died due to heart failure.
He was 79.
Inoki is best remembered by the sporting world for facing boxing great Muhammad Ali in a mixed martial arts match in 1976.
The New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW), an organization which promotes Japanese wrestling and founded by Inoki himself, tweeted: "New Japan Pro-Wrestling is deeply saddened at the passing of our founder, Antonio Inoki."
New Japan Pro-Wrestling is deeply saddened at the passing of our founder, Antonio Inoki.
— NJPW Global (@njpwglobal) October 1, 2022
His achievements, both in professional wrestling and the global community are without parallel and will never be forgotten.
Our thoughts are with Inoki’s family, friends and fans. pic.twitter.com/n8zA9hj78e
"His achievements, both in professional wrestling and the global community are without parallel and will never be forgotten. Our thoughts are with Inoki’s family, friends and fans," read the tweet further.
In his political career, Inoki was first elected as an upper house Diet member in 1989, and a second time in 2013, reports NHK World.
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