In 1976, boxing group Top Rank Inc. and Capitol Wrestling Corporation (the former sanctioning body of WWE) joined forces to promote "The War of the Worlds" between boxing heavyweight champion Muhammad Ali and New Japan Pro Wrestling's Antonio Inoki.
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The objective was to finally answer the question of which combat sport is superior.
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The involvement of Ali, who was already on his second world title reign and perhaps the most popular sports icon of his generation, drew unprecedented interest in the world of sports-entertainment.
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Promoters all over the globe hyped the "World Martial Arts Championship" match, which was set to take place in Tokyo but also be broadcast via closed-circuit television. (From the collection of Tom Burke.)
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The broadcasts were shown at local theaters or sometimes after regional wrestling cards. If you were watching Ali vs. Inoki inside St. Louis' Kiel Auditorium, for example, you also would have seen the broadcast of Jack Brisco vs. Dory Funk Jr. from the Omni in Atlanta. (From the collection of Tom Burke.)
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(From the collection of Tom Burke.)
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WWE held its second Showdown at Shea Stadium event in Queens, N.Y., in support of Ali vs. Inoki. (From the collection of Tom Burke.)
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At a press conference building up to the big match, Inoki gifted Ali a crutch, while Ali referred to the Japanese star as "The Ugly Pelican."
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WWE Hall of Famer "Classy" Freddie Blassie, who helped inspire The Louisville Lip's larger-than-life persona, served as an adviser to Ali ...
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... and The Greatest reportedly trained with legendary madman The Sheik to get ready for the fight.
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His preparation didn't end there. Ali also sparred with wrestlers Kenny Jay and Buddy Wolff in exhibition matches that aired on ABC's "Wide World of Sports."
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Ali even famously stepped into the ring with WWE Hall of Famer Gorilla Monsoon at a WWE TV taping. Monsoon rewarded The Greatest with an airplane spin. (From the collection of Tom Burke.)
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Among the sticking points heading into the historic match was what rules would be administered. The rules kept changing and being renegotiated by both camps, causing confusion and resulting in the rules being overly restrictive. (From the collection of Tom Burke.)
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Ali pictured with wrestling photographer and journalist Bill Apter.
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Ali vs. Inoki wasn't the only Boxer vs. Wrestler Match of the night, either. Also shown on closed circuit in many markets, this time from the WWE event in Shea Stadium, was Chuck Wepner against Andre the Giant.
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A look inside the WWE Showdown at Shea Stadium program. (From the collection of Tom Burke.)
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Ali and Inoki at the weigh-ins.
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Stan Hansen battled WWE Champion Bruno Sammartino inside Shea Stadium before more than 32,000 members of the WWE Universe.
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Andre defeated Wepner by count-out in a round three of their fight.
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Despite the incredible curiosity surrounding the main event, the bout, which aired live from the Budokan Hall, mostly confounded viewers.
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Thanks in part to the rule set, both athletes were reluctant to engage to any great degree. Inoki spent most of the fight on his back, kicking at Ali's legs, while Ali trash-talked Inoki and tried to avoid sustaining damage.
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Ali was only moderately successful in that regard. Inoki's persistent kicking caused blood clots on Ali's legs.
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Ali threw a handful of punches during the 15-round fight, landing two clean jabs.
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At one point, Inoki tripped up Ali, resulting in a brief tussle on the canvas.
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After 15 rounds of fighting, the judges declared the fight a draw.
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The lack of action was targeted by the media. (From the collection of Tom Burke.)
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(From the collection of Tom Burke.)
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(From the collection of Tom Burke.)
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Even with the controversial response, Inoki vs. Ali remains one of the most historically significant bouts not just in wrestling, but also for its pioneering influence on mixed martial arts.