Japan's legendary wrestler Antonio Inoki passed away at the age of 79

 Japan's famous wrestler and politician Antonio Inoki has died at the age of 79.

According to Reuters, on Saturday the New Japan Pro Wrestling Company tweeted that it was saddened by the death of its founder, Antonio Inoki.

In July 2020, Inoki said he was suffering from a heart condition.

Antonio Inoki was known for his close ties to wrestler Muhammad Ali and North Korea.

He visited Pakistan in 1976 and defeated Akram Pahlwan at National Stadium Karachi.

In the 60s, Antonio Inoki emerged as a major name in Japanese pro wrestling.

It was in 1976 that Antonio Inoki gained world fame when he fought a mixed martial arts bout with boxing legend Muhammad Ali.

He retired from wrestling in 1998 and was elected to the Upper House in 2013.

After hearing the news of Antonio Inoki's death, tributes are pouring in on social media.

Wrestler and politician Atsushi Onita tweeted that "an era has ended."

He further wrote that 'Thank you Anuki Sen. The Supreme Father of Pro Wrestling.

Triple H, an official of World Wrestling Entertainment Inc., called Antonio Inoki an important figure in wrestling history.

A close relationship with North Korea was fostered by his teacher Ricky Dozen. Ricky Dozen belonged to North Korea, but he never went to his country after the division of Korea.

As a Member of Parliament, Antonio Inoki made several visits to Pyongyang and met with high officials there. He had said that Japan can play the role of a mediator between the two countries armed with nuclear weapons.