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Former Japanese wrestler turned politician Kanji "Antonio" Inoki strikes out at Muhammad Ali during an exhibition fight in Tokyo, July 5, 1976. Allsport Hulton/Archive
Inoki poses for photographers at a press conference in Tokyo, August 21. He's organized a two-day wrestling competition in Pyongyang, featuring former NFL player Bob "The Beast" Sapp. AP/Eugene Hoshiko
Retired wrestler turned Japanese lawmaker Antonio Inoki arrives in Pyongyang. Will Ripley, CNN
Antonio Inoki's arrival in North Korea has generated considerable interest. Will Ripley, CNN
Fight flashback. In December 2003, former NFL player Bob Sapp (right) takes on Hawaiian-born former sumo wrestler Taro Akebono in a K-1 bout in Nagoya, Japan. Sapp won by technical knockout. JIJI PRESS/AFP/Getty Images
Earlier this year, former U.S. basketball player Dennis Rodman caused a stir by organizing a basketball event in North Korea, during which he sang "Happy Birthday" to the North Korean leader. WANG ZHAO/AFP/Getty Images
This photo taken on January 8 shows Rodman and Kim with other former NBA players at Pyongyang Gymnasium in Pyongyang. AFP/Getty Images/KCNA VIS KNS
In the past, Rodman has referred to Kim Jong Un as his "friend." The North Korean leader is seen here in an undated photo inspecting the Number 2 factor of the Korean People's Army (KPA). AFP/Getty/KCNA VIA KNS
This undated picture, released by North Korea's official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) on July 28, shows Kim attending a performance given by the State Merited Chorus at the People's Theater in Pyongyang. AFP/Getty/KCNA VIA KNS
