In the spring of 1975, boxing legend Muhammad Ali sent out a challenge of sorts in a few short words that served as the background for one of the most important sports moments of the decade.
While meeting Japanese Amateur Wrestling Association president Ichiro Hatta, Ali was quoted as asking Hatta, “Isn’t there any Oriental fighter who will challenge me? I’ll give him one million dollars if he wins.” As one might expect, the quote made headlines, and as the news spread to Japan, a Japanese icon with a classic movie star look and the physique of Arnold Schwarzenegger stepped forward: professional wrestler Antonio Inoki.
A little more than a year and $6 million added to Ali’s bank account later, the two squared off at the sold out Nippon Budokan arena in Tokyo to a 15-round draw.
We “Rewind” to that special moment:
Mark Whited
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