Antonio Inoki

About

Born Kanji Inoki and better known by his ring name Antonio Inoki, this Japanese professional wrestler, New Japan Pro Wrestling founder, and mixed martial artist later pursued a political career, serving for more than two decades in the Japanese House of Councillors. 

Before Fame

In his late teens, after winning several Brazilian track and field championships, he began his association with the Japanese Wrestling Association. 

Trivia

After converting to Islam in the early 1990s, he changed his name to Muhammad Hussain Inoki. He successfully negotiated with Saddam Hussein during The Gulf War. 

Family Life

The children of businessman Sajiro Inoki, he and his ten siblings grew up in Japan and Brazil. His fifteen-year marriage to Japanese actress Mitsuko Baisho produced a daughter named Hiroko. 

Associated With

In the summer of 1976, Inoki faced legendary boxer Muhammad Ali in a Tokyo match with a final score of three to three.