![\"Ali](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/nippon-budokan-arena-tokyo-japan-1045309090.jpg\")
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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<\/p>\n
Ali achieved it all in his career inside and outside of the ring, and became one of the most popular sporting figures in history.<\/p>\n
As a result, many demanded the weird and wonderful from the former undisputed heavyweight champion.<\/p>\n
Throughout his stint in the spotlight, Ali had taken any challenge at the drop of a hat.<\/p>\n
But none came more bizarre than when he was made a lucrative offer to face Japanese wrestler Antonio Inoki<\/a> in 1976.<\/p>\n Read More In Boxing<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n What happened during Ali vs Inoki?<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Inoki quickly tried to bring the bout to the ground and largely avoiding getting into a striking shootout with the technical operator.<\/p>\n ‘The Greatest’ beckoned his Japanese rival on, but his preferred method of attack was to target the unprotected legs from the canvas.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n By the tenth round, Ali had suffered bad damage to his leg from the repetitive blows from the ground, which saw severe swelling appear.<\/p>\n Very little action proceeded with Inoki managing to get Ali to the ground just once in the sixth round.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n A draw was declared, sparing Ali’s blushes. But it was the physical damage from the bout that left a lasting blow.<\/p>\n Ali’s injuries to leg saw ‘amputation considered’ 3<\/p>\n But the underwhelming spectacle left Ali helpless and with damage that shaped the final bouts of his careerCredit: Getty 3<\/p>\n A crossover fight many years before Paul was even bornCredit: Getty<\/p>\n Ali was frustrated on the ground and his legs absorbed the punishment, as he was immediately taken to hospital.<\/p>\n Over 100 thudding kicks landed on his leg, which he was unable to parry, and caused him several blood clots.<\/p>\n Ali’s team, including promoter Bob Arum, claimed that the icon’s mobility had been severely affected.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n The event was a huge financial success, but the slick-moving technician took damage which ultimately affected the final stages of his career.<\/p>\n How did this set a trend for crossover boxing?<\/p>\n In the present day, there is a clamour for fighters to step in realms they traditionally don’t belong.<\/p>\n Jake Paul makes wild Muhammad Ali comment and fans are in total disbelief<\/p>\n Jake Paul is the main disruptor who is blazing the new trail, fighting a series of MMA fighters, legends and now top contenders.<\/p>\n![\"But](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/nippon-budokan-arena-tokyo-japan-1045309074.jpg\")
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