Antonio Inoki vs. Muhammad Ali memorial exhibition opens in Tokyo

A memorial exhibition titled "Antonio Inoki vs. Muhammad Ali 50th Anniversary Memorial Exhibition" opened on September 9 at the Keio Plaza Hotel in Shinjuku, Tokyo. The event commemorates the historic combat sports match between professional wrestler Antonio Inoki and heavyweight boxing champion Muhammad Ali, which took place on June 26, 1976.

An opening ceremony featured legendary figures and former disciples of Inoki, including Tatsumi Fujinami, Yoshiaki Fujiwara, Satoru Sayama (the original Tiger Mask), and Akiram Maeda. During the event, Maeda reflected on Inoki's influence on the development of mixed martial arts, noting that Inoki emphasized the importance of real fighting skills, often telling his students, "You have to practice shoot training."

The exhibition displays various memorabilia, including match photographs, ring shoes used by Inoki in the 1970s, and a handwritten letter from Muhammad Ali to Inoki. The exhibition runs until September 31 and is free to the public.