Crossover bouts are becoming increasingly common in combat sports, and arguably Muhammad Ali ignited the trend.
Boxing’s greatest of all-time never conformed to any barriers on the sport throughout his career, treading new ground and setting an unrivalled legacy.
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Ali fought Antonio Inoki in ‘War of the Worlds’, with the build-up having it all, and attracting huge interestCredit: Getty
Ali achieved it all in his career inside and outside of the ring, and became one of the most popular sporting figures in history.
As a result, many demanded the weird and wonderful from the former undisputed heavyweight champion.
Throughout his stint in the spotlight, Ali had taken any challenge at the drop of a hat.
But none came more bizarre than when he was made a lucrative offer to face Japanese wrestler Antonio Inoki in 1976.
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Inoki had been on a conquest to prove wrestling was a superior sport to boxing and other combat sports, and wanted to face the best available.
He managed to lure Ali over to Japan, and secured a bout which was fought under a special ruleset which mirrored that similar to modern MMA.
What happened during Ali vs Inoki?
Although going on to do so in no uncertain terms, Ali was looking to conquer not just boxing, but prove his worth as an athlete.
But the bout became embarrassing and bizarre from the opening bell, taking a 15-round format, but nothing like the traditional exchanges he was used to involving himself in.
Inoki quickly tried to bring the bout to the ground and largely avoiding getting into a striking shootout with the technical operator.
‘The Greatest’ beckoned his Japanese rival on, but his preferred method of attack was to target the unprotected legs from the canvas.
A booing and confused crowd couldn’t believe what they had forked out their cash to attend, with Ali truly baffled by his rival’s approach.
By the tenth round, Ali had suffered bad damage to his leg from the repetitive blows from the ground, which saw severe swelling appear.
Very little action proceeded with Inoki managing to get Ali to the ground just once in the sixth round.
As the final bell sounded, it was an embarrassing look for both Ali and Inoki, with the dull spectacle a far cry from the hype surrounding the unique event.
The crowd booed and threw objects into the ring, demanding they were refunded as it went to the scorecards with Ali having thrown six punches, a record low.
A draw was declared, sparing Ali’s blushes. But it was the physical damage from the bout that left a lasting blow.
Ali’s injuries to leg saw ‘amputation considered’
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But the underwhelming spectacle left Ali helpless and with damage that shaped the final bouts of his careerCredit: Getty
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A crossover fight many years before Paul was even bornCredit: Getty
Ali was frustrated on the ground and his legs absorbed the punishment, as he was immediately taken to hospital.
Over 100 thudding kicks landed on his leg, which he was unable to parry, and caused him several blood clots.
Ali’s team, including promoter Bob Arum, claimed that the icon’s mobility had been severely affected.
And it was so severe that amputation had even been considered by the medical team as he faced a worrying recovery period after the clash.
The event was a huge financial success, but the slick-moving technician took damage which ultimately affected the final stages of his career.
How did this set a trend for crossover boxing?
In the present day, there is a clamour for fighters to step in realms they traditionally don’t belong.
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And if the widely viewed greatest to ever lace up his gloves can do it, it has set the precedent for anyone to do it.
Despite the upset of boxing purists, there is a clear appetite.