Today we have several boxers who are widely known across the world. But when it came to boxing in the 1960s, Muhammad Ali was the only name on everyone’s lips. He is considered to be the greatest boxer who has ever lived. Here is how the legend’s much-anticipated fight with an MMA fighter turned out back in the day.
Ali was set to face Japanese professional wrestler Antonio Inoki at the Nippon Budokan arena in Tokyo, Japan. Billed as The War of Worlds, the hyped fight took place on June 26, 1976. The card had another interesting fight between Chuck Wepner and Andre the Giant.
READ MORE: Why Did Muhammad Ali Change His Name?
Inoki may be seen in the video attempting to harm Ali with his legs while lying on the ground. This took place as a result of a hastily agreed-upon new rule. The eagerly anticipated battle ended in a draw.
When Muhammad Ali stunned a WWE superstar without saying a word
The Louisville Lip was the most sensational athlete of his time. However, even today, people remember his greatness and boxing prowess. WWE superstar Brock Lester once revealed in an interview how Ali stunned him.
Lesnar stated, “I got to meet Ali one time and all I remember when I met and shook the man’s hand was, he never talked, at that point Parkinson’s, the illness had taken over. But, I just remember when he extended his hand, and he didn’t have to say anything to me, it was just, not a weird vibe, it was such a gracious handshake and it was just very, I can’t even put a word to it.”
Just Ali’s presence was so charismatic that touched Lesner in a charming way.
When Muhammad Ali refused to fight for his country
In 1967, the boxer was called to serve in the Vietnam War. He, however, declined to enlist. Ali was consequently detained in 1970, a decision that was later overturned in 1971. The fighter even had his championship stripped without actually losing it.
However, why did Ali object? He had the opinion that he would not join an army of a country that did not treat its own people fairly. It was the time when the black civil rights movement was at the forefront of civil issues in America.
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