Wrestler who battled boxer Ali dies aged 79
A JAPANESE wrestling star who shot to fame when he fought boxing champion Muhammad Ali has died aged 79.
Tributes poured in from around the globe for Antonio Inoki, hailed as the “supreme father of pro wrestling”.
The mixed martial arts pioneer, who died of heart failure, became an MP and promoted peace through sport.
His clash with Ali in Tokyo in 1976, dubbed “the bout of the century” by fans, was declared a draw.