Boxing vs Wrestling prelim to Muhammad Ali vs Antonio Inoki

In 1976 Muhammad Ali was Heavyweight Boxing Champion of the World. A promotion was planned that captivated the imagination of the sporting world – Muhammad Ali – Heavyweight Boxing Champion of the World vs Antonio Inoki – Heavyweight Wrestling Champion of the World.

To promote the June 26th fight Muhammad Ali was placed in the ring with the legendary Gorilla Monsoon.

Ali boxing vs the wrestler – A promoters dream.

This spur of the moment match with Monsoon was held June 2, 1976, just weeks before Ali would “fight” Inoki in that historic match.

The champ was looking for a warm-up before his bout and also some hype coming in to the event.

After Monsoon finished with his opponent, Baron Mikel Scicluna, Ali became enraged at the enormous wrestler.

Ali removed his shirt and shoes and entered the ring, throwing punches at the mammoth grappler.

Monsoon simply picked up Ali, spun him around on his broad shoulders, and dumped him on the mat.

Ali wanted to continue the brawl, but his side kick, Butch Lewis, rushed him out of the arena.

A young Vince McMahon Jr. interviewed Monsoon after the match, where Gorilla said, “He doesn’t know a wristlock from a wristwatch… All he knows is how to throw a few lousy jabs, that’s not gonna’ stop a wrestler”!

In this matchup of boxing vs wrestling it was the wrestler, Gorilla Monsoon, over the boxer, Muhammad Ali. But, the main event – Ali vs Inoki was to follow.

Author – Boxing Hall of Fame

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