Mohammad Hussain Inoki, Japan’s famous wrestler dies at 79

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01st Oct, 2022. 09:31 pm
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Inoki rose to prominence on Japan’s pro-wrestling circuit in the 1960s.
In 1976, he had a mixed martial arts encounter with boxing legend Muhammad Ali.
In 1979, he lost to Pakistan’s Jhara in what was dubbed “the fight of the century”.

Mohammad Hussain Inoki, Japanese professional wrestler turned politician who lost to Pakistan’s Jhara in 1979 was widely known for his match.

The match was with Muhammad Ali, died at the age of 79 on Saturday after years of battling a rare condition, according to the firm he created.

Inoki rose to prominence on Japan’s pro-wrestling circuit in the 1960s. In 1976, he had a mixed martial arts encounter with boxing legend Muhammad Ali, which was hailed as “the fight of the century.”

In 1989, the lantern-jawed, 6-foot-3-inch entertainer entered politics, securing a place in Japan’s upper chamber of parliament. The following year, he made news by travelling to Iraq during the Gulf War and acting on behalf of Japanese hostages, who were later released.

Inoki adored Pakistan and the people that lived there. In Pakistan, he rose to prominence after losing to Pakistani wrestler Jharra in 1979. Following Jharra’s death, Inoki raised the wrestler’s nephew in Japan under his supervision.

The famous wrestler wished to go for a peace walk near the Wahga Border because he believed in peace between Pakistan and India.

On social media, many paid tribute to Inoki.

Shehbaz Sharif, Pakistan’s prime minister, expressed his sympathies, stating that Inoki “captivated an entire generation.” He also recalled meeting the champion a decade before.

Sad to learn about the passing of legendary Japanese wrestler Antonio Inoki. I have a vivid memory of meeting him at a stadium in Lahore 10 years ago. He mesmerized a whole generation with his rare wrestling prowess. My condolences are with his family & Japanese people. pic.twitter.com/Drrzz2ZhfI
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— Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) October 1, 2022

Atsushi Onita, another pro wrestler turned politician, tweeted: “An era has come to an end.”

“Thank you, Inoki-san. The supreme father of pro wrestling,” he wrote.

A great star falls. Inoki passed away. It is shocking news. He is a great wrestler and promoter, built a generation of Japanese pro wrestling. I offer my sincerest condolences.
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Atsushi Onita pic.twitter.com/W9ALqoKjqB
— 大仁田厚 Atsushi Onita (@onitafire123) October 1, 2022

Former wrestler and current World Wrestling Entertainment chief content officer Triple H named Inoki “one of the most influential individuals in the history of our company, and a man who embodied the term ‘fighting spirit.'”

One of the most important figures in the history of our business, and a man who embodied the term “fighting spirit.” The legacy of WWE Hall of Famer Antonio Inoki will live on forever.
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— Triple H (@TripleH) October 1, 2022

Because his mentor, early pro-wrestling legend Rikidozan, was born in North Korea but was unable to return after the peninsula was separated by war, Inoki maintained close links with the country.

As a politician, he paid multiple visits to Pyongyang and talked with high-ranking officials, believing Tokyo should play a role in mediating with its nuclear-armed neighbour.

In 1995, he organised a two-day wrestling spectacular called “Collision in Korea” in Pyongyang’s May Day Stadium in front of over 100,000 people. In the main event, Inoki defeated Ric Flair with his iconic “enzuigiri,” a jumping kick to the back of the head.

The bout with Ali is regarded as the origin of mixed martial arts, which is now a multibillion-dollar industry dominated by the US-based Ultimate Fighting Championship.

According to wrestling journalist Dave Meltzer, Ali was going to be paid $6 million to lose in a staged battle to Inoki, but the boxer changed his mind when he arrived in Tokyo for the event. In the end, the fight was real, but with the caveat that Inoki could only kick with one knee on the mat.

“Inoki came out from round one on his back, crawling around the ring like a crab striking Ali’s legs,” recalled sports writer Robert Whiting in a 2016 podcast. “The entire fight, Ali threw a total of six punches. It was the worst thing I’ve ever seen.”

According to Meltzer, the battle went to a 15-round draw, and Ali was awarded only $1.8 million.

On his YouTube account, “Antonio Inoki’s Last Fighting Spirit,” he was shown walking in and out of the hospital in recent years, raising a clenched fist as he went for treatment of systemic amyloidosis, a rare disease characterized by a buildup of a protein known as amyloid in the organs.

Mohammad Hussain Inoki, Japan’s famous wrestler dies at 79

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