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Named one of the most “40 Best Books of 2016” by The New York Post
Muhammad Ali, June 14, 1976, The Tonight Show
On June 26, 1976, Muhammad Ali fought in a mixed-rules contest against iconic pro wrestling champion Antonio Inoki for the so-referred to as martial arts championship of the world.” Broadcast from Tokyo to a potential audience of 1.4 billion in 34 countries, the spectacle foreshadowed and, in many ways, led to the upward push of mixed martial arts as a major sport.
The unique contest used to be controversial and panned by wrestling and boxing supporters alike, but the actual action used to be in the back of the scenes. Egos, competing interests, and a general sense of apprehension over what would happen in the ring led to hodgepodge rules thrown together at the last minute. Peculiar plans to save” Ali if the fight got out of hand were even concocted.
In Ali vs. Inoki, writer Josh Gross gets inside Ali’s head leading up to the match by resurrecting pre-fight interviews. Gross also introduces us to Inoki, the most famous face in Japan who used to be instrumental in shaping brand new mixed martial arts.