MMA's first big fight: Muhammad Ali vs. Antonio Inoki: photos
See photos of the infamous "The War of the Worlds" Boxer vs. Wrestler Match between Muhammad Ali and WWE Hall of Famer Antonio Inoki. (Historical clippings and programs courtesy of the collection of Tom Burke.)
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.
The objective was to finally answer the question of which combat sport is superior.
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.
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.)
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.)
(From the collection of Tom Burke.)
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.)
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."
WWE Hall of Famer "Classy" Freddie Blassie, who helped inspire The Louisville Lip's larger-than-life persona, served as an adviser to Ali ...
... and The Greatest reportedly trained with legendary madman The Sheik to get ready for the fight.
