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Antonio Inoki's Real Name: Kanji Inoki
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Antonio Inoki (アントニオ猪木) 本名: Kanji Inoki (猪木寛至)
Answer: Antonio Inoki's real name is Kanji Inoki (猪木寛至). He founded New Japan Pro-Wrestling and fought Muhammad Ali in 1976.
Kanji Inoki was born on February 20, 1943, in Yokohama. His family emigrated to Brazil when he was a teenager, where he was discovered by wrestling star Rikidōzan, who brought him back to Japan in 1960. His ring name "Antonio" was added to his real surname, a nod to his Brazilian years and to give him a foreign-star flair.
In 1972 he founded New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW). On June 26, 1976, he faced boxer Muhammad Ali in Tokyo in a famous mixed-rules bout that ended in a draw. He also staged events in North Korea and helped negotiate the release of Japanese hostages in Iraq in 1990.
He served in Japan's House of Councillors. He died on October 1, 2022, as reported by NJPW, NHK and AP.
FAQ
Why is he called Antonio? It was a ring name added to his surname, linked to his youth in Brazil.
Did Antonio Inoki fight Muhammad Ali? Yes, on June 26, 1976, in Tokyo; it ended in a draw.