Antonio Inoki, Japanese pro-wrestler politician with N.Korea ties, dies

FILE PHOTO: Japanese politician and former wrestling star Antonio Inoki attends a news conference after his visit to Pyongyang, as he arrives at Haneda international airport in Tokyo, Japan, September 11, 2017. REUTERS/Toru Hanai

TOKYO (Reuters) -Antonio Inoki, a Japanese professional wrestling star turned politician, widely known for his match with Muhammad Ali and ties to North Korea, has died aged 79, after years of battling a rare disease, the company he founded said on Saturday.

"New Japan Pro-Wrestling is deeply saddened at the passing of our founder, Antonio Inoki," the company he started in 1972 posted on Twitter. "His achievements, both in professional wrestling and the global community are without parallel and will never be forgotten."