Date of Birth: February 20, 1943
Zodiac Sign: Pisces
Date of Death: October 1, 2022
Biography
Antonio Inoki, born Kanji Inoki, was a legendary Japanese professional wrestler, promoter, and politician. Born on February 20, 1943, in Yokohama, Japan, Inoki moved to Brazil as a teenager where he was discovered by Rikidōzan, a professional wrestling icon. He quickly rose to fame in the wrestling world, known for his charismatic persona and innovative fighting style. Inoki founded New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW) in 1972, significantly influencing the sport’s global expansion. Beyond wrestling, Inoki ventured into politics, serving in the Japanese House of Councillors. His life was marked by numerous achievements, including iconic matches against Muhammad Ali and Ric Flair, and his efforts to promote peace through sports diplomacy.
5 Interesting Facts about Antonio Inoki
1. Antonio Inoki fought Muhammad Ali in a mixed martial arts match in 1976, which is considered one of the earliest high-profile MMA fights.
2. He founded New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW) in 1972, which became one of the most successful wrestling promotions in the world.
3. Inoki was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2010.
4. He served two terms in the Japanese House of Councillors, where he focused on international diplomacy.
5. Inoki was known for his distinctive chin, which became a trademark of his persona.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from Antonio Inoki
1. “If you have a dream, it’s not just something to be thought about. It should be pursued with all your might.”
2. “Professional wrestling is not just a sport; it’s an art form.”
3. “Peace and friendship are more important than war and hostility.”
4. “A true fighter is not measured by how much he can hit, but by how much he can endure.”
5. “In the ring, you live by your own rules, and that’s what makes it beautiful.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
Antonio Inoki’s highest net worth achieved was estimated to be around $10 million.
Children
Antonio Inoki had one daughter named Hiroko Inoki.
Relevant Links
1. [Antonio Inoki – WWE Hall of Fame Profile](https://www.wwe.com/superstars/antonio-inoki
2. [New Japan Pro-Wrestling](https://www.njpw1972.com
3. [Antonio Inoki vs. Muhammad Ali](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antonio_Inoki_vs._Muhammad_Ali
4. [Antonio Inoki – Biography](https://www.biography.com/athlete/antonio-inoki
