Legendary Japanese wrestler Antonio Inoki who took on Muhammad Ali dies at 79

Japanese professional wrestling star turned politician Antonio Inoki has died aged 79. Inoki was widely known for his June 1976 match with US boxing legend Muhammad Ali in a high-profile bout many consider a precursor of what is today known as mixed martial arts (MMA). Later as a lawmaker he made numerous visits to North Korea, saying Tokyo could play a role in mediating with its nuclear-armed neighbour. The company he founded, New Japan Pro-Wrestling, announced Inoki’s death on October 1, 2022, noting that he had spent years battling the rare disease systemic amyloidosis.