This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 1/17/2021
Offered is an oversized, pictorial ticket for the weigh-in of the June 26, 1976, bout between Heavyweight Champion Muhammad Ali and Japanese professional wrestler Antonio Inoki. The weigh-in took place on June 20, as saw the opponents taunting each other relentlessly. Ali announced he would nickname Inoki "The Pelican", because of his prominent chin, and Inoki replied, via an interpreter: "When your fist connects with my chin, take care that your fist is not damaged.” He then presented Ali with a crutch, to use after he had been thrown from the ring. Inoki said afterwards: "I don't know how seriously Muhammad Ali is taking the fight, but if he doesn't take it seriously, he could suffer damage. I'm going in there fighting. I may even break his arm.” The fight was a disappointment, as rules were implemented that Inoki could not kick standing up. The result was a bizarre 15 rounds of the Japanese wrestler laying down trying to kick Ali. There have been arguments about who would win such fight sbetween martial artists and traditional boxers for time immemorial, but this media circus helped settled none of them! It did leave us with a super-clean, pictorial ticket, though! The ticket measures 9 x 4 inches and presents with no wear Near Mint to Mint condition.