https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/art...s-aged-79.html

Japanese wrestling legend-turned-politician Antonio Inoki has died aged 79.

Born in wartime Yokohama on February 20, 1943, Inoki founded New Japan Pro Wrestling in 1972 before entering politics in 1989, when he was elected to the Japanese House of Councillors.

In the world of wrestling, Inoki trained several wrestlers including Akira Maeda, Bad News Allen, the first Tiger Mask, Keiji Muto, Riki Choshu, Shinsuke Nakamura, Tatsumi Fujinami and Rocky Romero.

Known as Japan's Dennis Rodman, he even fought boxer Muhammad Ali in the 1976 'bout of the century' - a fight which experts say served as a predecessor to modern day mixed martial arts.

During his time in office, Inoki represented Japan in meetings with the likes of Cuba's Fidel Castro and Iraq's Saddam Hussein.

Inoki was also an ambassador for professional wrestling, bringing major events to places like Russia and China.

In 1995, Inoki fought American Ric Flair in what was called the 'Collision in Korea,' a two-day event held in Pyongyang's huge May Day Stadium that drew a reported 380,000 spectators and guest attendees including Ali.