New Orleans Stays Unbeaten With Win Over Miami

With an offense that can strike as quickly as the New Orleans Saints’, they’re never out of a game. The Miami Dolphins found that out the hard way on Sunday as the Saints came roaring back from a 21 point deficit to win going away 46-34. Drew Brees threw for 298 yards and a touchdowns, though gave up three interceptions. Miami dropped to 2-4 on the year.

Adding insult to injury for NFL betting enthusiasts who backed Miami as +6 home underdogs, the Saints continued their rampage against the pointspread with a late game interception return for a touchdown to cover. New Orleans is 6-0 against the number this season, while Miami dropped to 2-4 against the spread. The 80 combined points sailed OVER the posted total of 47′.

After the game, Brees said that his team never lost confidence:

“There was no doubt on our sideline we would come back and win. They had given us their best shot, and we had played about as bad as we could play. All we had to do was string together a few drives and gain the momentum back. We knew it was going to happen, and it did.”

Following a rushing touchdown that gave his team their first lead of the game in the fourth quarter, Brees dunked the football over the goal post crossbar:

“There are times in the game when a team just needs an emotional lift. I felt like I had to do something to get everybody hyped. The first thing that came to mind was to dunk it.”

Saints’ linebacker Scott Shanle suggested that the game could portent good things to come:

“It can be a season-defining win. This was a test we hadn’t faced yet, and we couldn’t be happier with the way we responded.”

A dejected Ricky Williams explained how his team had lost:

“This was our game to win. We fought and we fought. They just fought harder at the end.”

Dolphins’ QB Vonte Davis said the defense was aware that with Brees in the game even a 21 point lead was tenuous at best:

“With Drew Brees, it’s like the score is 0-0. We knew they would come back and that it would be a tough game.”

The Saints will now host the Atlanta Falcons next Monday night. New Orleans is a -9 home favorite with the total set at 53′. They’ll then face two struggling teams, taking on the Carolina Panthers at home the following Sunday and playing against the Rams at St. Louis on November 15. The Dolphins will play on the road against the New York Jets this Sunday, with Miami a +3′ road underdog and the total set at 40′. They’ll play at New England the following Sunday before returning home on November 15 to take on the lowly Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Ross Everett is a freelance sports writer and respected authority on World Cup betting. His writing has appeared on a variety of sports sites including sportsbooks and sportsbook directory sites. He lives in Las Vegas with three Jack Russell Terriers and a kangaroo. He is currently working on an autobiography of former energy secretary Donald Hodell.

Rio De Janerio Wins 2016 Summer Olympic Games

South America will host the Summer Olympic Games for the first time in 2016, as Rio De Janeiro, Brazil was awarded the honor on Friday. Rio beat out the US choice of Chicago, Illinois along with Tokyo, Japan and Madrid, Spain to earn the right to host the games. Despite a high pressure effort from the American power elite–including President Barack Obama and TV gabfest queen Oprah Winfrey–Chicago was the first city eliminated from contention.

Bookmakers offered odds on the host city choice, with Rio listed as second favorite at +200. Chicago had been the wagering favorite at most books, particularly after President Obama got involved personally in the US bid effort. Chicago was bet as high as a -300 favorite, while Madrid and Tokyo were priced in the +250 range. Some suggest that Tokyo didnt deserve to have such short odds, but was the beneficiary of regional pride from the notoriously enthusiastic betting population of Japan.

Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, President of Brazil, got the better of his US counterpart with a passionate speech that stood in marked contrast to Obamas typically baleful collection of talking points. The Brazilian leader stressed the unfairness that South America had never hosted the games in his speech to the committee;

“It is a time to address this imbalance. It is time to light the Olympic cauldron in a tropical country.”

The Olympic committee was apparently swayed by this presentation and paid no mind to Rios many downsides. It is without a doubt the most dangerous of the finalist cities, where drug cartels and armed bands of thugs roam without impunity. Well do to Rio citizens are used to removing watches and jewelry before they drive anywhere lest they be targeted by carjacking brigands. Rios murder rate is also one of the highest in the world. Brazilian bid officials have stressed that security will be a priority at the games and it better be lest the Olympics turn into a bloodbath.

Some IOC members suggested that the summary dismissal of Chicagos bid was more of a rebuke of the notoriously corrupt USOC. The last two Olympics held in the US were tainted by crime and corruption. The’96 Atlanta Olympics were disrupted by a terrorist bombing, while the 2002 Salt Lake City Winter Games were marred by a well known bribery and corruption scandal.

Ross Everett is a widely published widely published freelance sports writer and respected authority on World Cup betting. His writing has appeared on a variety of sports sites including sports news and sportsbook directory sites. He lives in Southern Nevada with three Jack Russell Terriers and an emu. He is currently working on an autobiography of former interior secretary James Watt.

Cincinnati Rips Chicago

Former Chicago Bears running back Cedric Benson got revenge on the team that let him go in the best possible way. Benson amassed 189 yards rushing and led his new team, the Cincinnati Bengals, to a 45-10 rout over the visiting Bears on Sunday. Carson Palmer threw for five touchdowns with no interceptions in the blowout victory.

The Bengals also made short work of the NFL pointspread, easily covering as +1′ home underdogs. Cincinnati improved to 4-3 against the number while Chicago evened their ATS mark at 3-3.

A smug Benson described his feelings after the win:

“Everybody knew it was going to be an emotional day. Everybody knew. What a wonderful day and a wonderful thing, to go out there and strut your stuff.”

Despite the evidence to the contrary, Benson downplayed the motive of revenge:

“I continue to be as graceful as I can be. I’m not shoving anything in anybody’s face. Like I say, it wasn’t a revenge day for me. I just wanted to take advantage of the opportunities.”

He said his biggest problem was trying to keep his emotions in check:

“There were a few times where I may have gotten a little too hyped up, a little too antsy. A couple of drives, I found myself having to calm myself down and gather my emotions to stay poised. Once I got past that, we were good to go. Keep it rolling.”

Bengals’ receiver Chad Ochocinco had 10 catches for 118 yards and two touchdowns. He shared his thoughts postgame:

“I don’t understand why it went this way today and why it didn’t go that way last week or the week before that. The offensive line played unbelievable. For Ced to run the way he did today and for us to be able to throw, we could have done what we wanted to do.”

Chicago gave up more points than in any game all season, a fact that left defensive end Alex Brown looking for answers:

“That was pretty embarrassing. It’s embarrassing to come out and play like that. I tip my hat to their whole team. Cedric ran the ball like crazy. They did whatever they wanted to do.”

The Bengals will enjoy a bye week before hosting the Baltimore Ravens on November 8. They’ll then play two games on the road at Pittsburgh and Oakland. Chicago will try to get back on track this Sunday as they host the Cleveland Browns. The Bears are -13′ home favorites with the total set at 40. They’ll host the Arizona Cardinals the following Sunday before heading west for a Thursday night game against the San Francisco 49ers on November 12.

Ross Everett is a freelance sports writer and noted authority on sports betting odds comparison. He writing has appeared on a variety of sports sites including sportsbooks and betting odds portal sites. He lives in Las Vegas with three Jack Russell Terriers and a kangaroo. He is currently working on an autobiography of former interior secretary James Watt.

Film Downloading Is A Great And Open Market Online With Plenty Of Websites

There are various movie downloads websites accessible online so you can be sure to discover something to suit your specific film entertainment needs. There is no need to rush right out to the video store to get the new releases and you need not ever worry about returning the video on time. When you buy a film download from the Internet, the file is yours forever and you can enjoy it whenever.

You are possibly aware of all the excellent alternatives that you can save cash and get the motion picture you actually wish for by going to one of the many online sites that present you the opportunity to download videos right from the comfort of your own home. This novel technology and these helpful services are offering wonderful offers and bargains. Occasionally when you join one of these download websites you may even be able to download videos for no cost occasionally as well.

A excellent motion picture download site can provide an endless supply of fun and reasonable entertainment. You can find almost any title you can think of, given that it has been previously released on video. Downloading movies is simple, easy on the pocket and probably the very best way to acquire films these days.

If you are uncertain about joining a site, you can take advantage of a free membership trial from some of the websites. There are also special offers, coupons and a mixture of other discounts that you can take benefit of. A free trial period is a wonderful way to start out as you can realize how it all works and how advantageous it can be.

Since you will own the film you will never need to worry about return shipping or returning the film to the retail establishment. Also, you can move the film to any type of portable DVD player so if you are a active person who is out and about a lot you will be able to take the film with you.

Contrast the services offered in the memberships of the websites that you are interested in. Some sites offer music and games in addition to motion pictures. Also there are sites that will still allow you to acquire a hard copy of the DVD via mail if you so request. Get a package that offers all of the things that you would like and enjoy, confirm the price and enjoy.

When you employ the free websites you are essentially breaking copyright laws. Not only that but these websites are typically not trustworthy and you risk the possibility of downloading a virus, spyware or malware. Also the sound and video quality may be bad and you may not even get the entire motion picture.

Were you aware that there is a uncomplicated way to get the films that you want to watch, quickly, straightforwardly and reasonably? You can watch them anytime that you want and there is no need to worry about DVD’s getting scratched or broken and you never need to return a movie because once you download it you own it. You can transport it to a transportable player and take it with you. It is easy to get all of the advantages that you expect from a DVD and more.

When you join in on a remarkable video download site you will no longer require a association to your local dvd store or mail-in service. Since the film is yours to keep, you never need be bothered about getting the motion picture back on time and you can be certain that you will each time receive a quality product, you don’t have to be troubled about scratched DVD’s or a mistake in returning the movie. You at all times have the finest product and of course, it is yours to keep.

When you are ready to start downloading films to your computer the first step is to do an online search for film downloads or online movie rentals. You will almost certainly be aware of some of the big name websites. Make a evaluation of all of the services that interest you and see what type of services they all present.

Nowadays you can find a first-rate, full-length movie with just the touch of your finger. Learn about places to watch movies online. Downloading straight to your computer is a terrific way to watch the best new films.

Movie Downloading Is A Big And Open Market Online With All Kinds Of Businesses

There are numerous movie downloads sites presented online so you can be positive to stumble on something to suit your specific film entertainment needs. There is no need to run right out to the video store to get the new releases and you need not ever be concerned about returning the video on time. When you obtain a motion picture download from the Internet, the file is yours forever and you can enjoy it anytime.

A few may speculate why they should pay for a entirely legal movie download service when another site may be offering to permit them to download for free. However, in the long run it is oftentimes ends up being much more cost-effective than any of the illegal and free movie download services.

If you are traveling, you may want to download a few films in advance. Films are always a enjoyable way to pass the time when you are waiting around. If you are flying, taking a train, or even a passenger in a auto you can with no trouble amuse yourself if you have some available downloaded motion pictures available.

Since you will be the owner of the movie you will never need to worry about return shipping or returning the movie to the store. Also, you can move the motion picture to any type of portable DVD player so if you are a busy person who is out and about a great deal you will be able to take the motion picture with you.

Many of the download websites have particular offers and coupons that you can benefit from. Also many of them provide a free membership trial and that is always a excellent way to see how you like the website before you actually make a purchase.

There are a range of features that you will want to look at and while price is, of course, significant there are also other considerations. If you are responding to a special offer make sure that you know exactly what is offered and also what you can anticipate after any special offers conclude.

With portable viewing devices you can always download some films before you take a extended trip, whether by plane, train or automobile-just make sure that you are not the one driving of course. Movies can be a enjoyable way to pass the time anytime you are sitting around waiting. You can always occupy your mind when you are watching a enjoyable film.

Right now you can come across numerous motion picture download websites for your movie and entertainment satisfaction. It is no longer necessary to run back and forth to the movie rental retail stores to acquire the new releases or return a dvd that you have previously watched. After you have downloaded a movie from the Internet, the movie is yours to keep forever and you can observe it and enjoy it anytime you please.

When you are ready to start downloading videos to your computer the initial step is to do an online search for film downloads or online movie rentals. You will probably be aware of some of the big name services. Make a comparison of all of the sites that interest you and see what sort of services they all offer.

The greatest benefit to using a legal film download service is that not only can you obtain the movie when you want it but the motion picture that you get will be of the best quality with the greatest in picture and sound. The download speeds tend to be fairly fast and the safety for you and your computer is consistent and you can count on it.

In this day and age we have it really great. We can desi online movies. We can also view full-length, high-quality motion pictures for complimentary on the internet.

People Can See How To Download Amazing Films From Now On

When you enroll in an excellent motion picture download service you’ll no longer need a membership to your local video store or mail-in service. Since the film is yours to keep, you never need be concerned about getting the movie back on time and you can be guaranteed that you will always be given a quality product, you do not have to be anxious about scratched DVD’s or a mistake in returning the movie. You always have the greatest product and of course, it’s yours to keep.

Just what do you do after your download is finished? One and only thing that is left, should be to kick back and take pleasure with your movie. Additionally, like most other download sites, almost all of these membership based websites providing free movie downloads, will permit the movie to play, providing that particular window stays open. Consequently, you can enjoy the movie there on the website, till the finish or until you get tired. Once you’ve completed watching the video, merely log off your membership site and close the browser. Thats all. at this point you don’t have unwanted files on your own personal computer to take up useful space on your hardrive and no more work left for yourself. As a consequence, if you are getting plenty of value for a little bit of cash, then why are you not trying out a movie download website such as this right now?

If you’re wise you will only partake in legal movie downloads. Pirated downloads are illegal and you are stealing from and depriving many individuals of the fruits of their work and creativity. The big movie studios at this moment are really beginning to crack down and more and more individuals are getting arrested and fined for even just a few downloads. You are not immune to prosecution when you download even just one film dishonestly. Also so that they can enforce the laws, prosecutors are increasingly cracking down on regular people, patrons of the websites rather than just the movie download site owners.

Downloading Motion pictures On-line – five Useful Ideas for Finding a Very Good Movie Site

1. Search for unlimited download access, in particular to the latest films. If you also have admittance to music, games and software, then that’s a bonus also.

2. Will the site have a step-by-step tutorial? Almost all good ones do, and it will lessen the learning curve, although it’s not at all important.

3. Can the customer search for films before committing oneself to an account? This is surely a significant plus for you.

4. Will the web site have cost-free CD and DVD recording and burning software available? Most will have this, it will be a very helpful feature if you do not curently have this.

5. Is their customer care quick and helpful? You only actually need this when something goes wrong. However it can be exactly during those times that your frustration becomes intolerable if you cannot get through to somebody for help! We would rate great customer care very highly. Attempt asking a question or two before becoming a member.

Remember when you are set to get started acquiring your movies by downloading the first thing you should do is to check out all of the sites before subscribing. There may be recurring fees or additional fees that you may not have expected. Verify all of this beforehand. Compare the sites and check them all out thoroughly before making a decision.

Consider any special offers and take advantage of any coupons from the movie download websites you are interested in. If you make a comparison beforehand you will be certain to be receiving what you want and the greatest deal for the money you spend. Most of the best sites have a great selection of videos from all time periods and all genres. If you enjoy videos you will really enjoy downloading them from the web.

There are numerous video websites that enables you to download movies onto your computer anytime for a bit of a fee. Many of these online retailers also charge a yearly fee rather than a month to month fee. Usually the per month fee you may be charged is quite minimal. A few such businesses include Netflix, Super Pass by Real Player, and Vongo.

Downloading movies from the internet it can be one of the greatest ways to get the movies that you want when you want them. Learn about download titanic film. Downloading directly to your computer is a great way to watch the best new movies.

Shouldn’t Anyone See How To Download Films Soon

Do you know that streaming video allows you to watch the show at once. The viewing will start almost instantly. A streaming video is only a temporary file and doesn’t use up personal computer space. Downloading movies from the internet is not difficult in the least. Numerous downloading sites are setup to not only let you download movies but at the same time burn the files to a DVD. These web sites want it to be as simple as 123.

Getting movies from download sites could be the latest trend in buying motion pictures. To start with there were movie theaters, next we got video, from then on the DVD was very popular, but we have now free movie downloads. If you download movies you are taking advantage of the present technological know-how to send you a film faster than you’ll be able to imagine.

Four features of downloading on-line motion pictures:

1. May easily download full-length motion pictures legally and it’s also a secure technique for downloading.

2. Video enthusiasts will immediately get their favorite motion picture in good quality video.

3. Apart from movies we can download other television shows and sports videos.

4. Supplies hyperlinks for the newest movies and are reliable and secure.

Just like a number of other very good options, even more so through the internet, you have to be wary. Just do your research and look for a movie download site that’s reliable. Web based forums and blogs will be able to tell you what exactly you need to know to make a selection.

Some of these internet sites provide you with many different downloading speeds. This really is some what unlike the much less recognized bootleg film download internet sites, who usually offer only 1 speed for downloading movies. This kind of variable speed feature allows everybody that are using unique connections of a variety of speeds, to have the opportunity to download movies likewise. Put simply if you are using any of the connections like dial up, DSL, broadband or wireless, you can still enjoy movies without frying your pc or having to loose time waiting for long periods for your download to complete. Due to this, the only thing that is necessary is to choose the right speed for your connection, and then sit back and take it easy as the download gets done.

Given that the world wide web is incredibly fast, and computers are growing in their capabilities, it looks like video downloading will continue to grow. Because people will get more secure with online buying this may possibly become the wave of the future for music, games and movies. One thing for sure movie downloads are not going anywhere soon, and things ought to continue to grow.

It’s much more advisable that you utilize a legal download service. The illegal services are a tremendous risk and possibly will cause you many more complications than they are worth. But a lawful site will present you such a quality product at such a practical price that you are bound to be thrilled.

The newer computer systems that people are buying come pre-loaded with large hard drives, making it feasible for huge downloads such as movie files. Usually these files can be transferred to a DVD to free up your hard drive space. Why don’t we take a quick look into some details about video downloads and the reasons you should consider testing this out.

Downloading movies from the internet it can be one of the best ways to get the movies that you want when you want them. Learn about downloads films. Downloading straight to your computer is a wonderful way to watch the best new motion pictures.

The Story Of’77 Triple Crown Winner Seattle Slew

Seattle Slew, horse racing’s lone remaining living Triple Crown winner, passed away on May 7, 2002 at the age of 28. Already ranked among the all time greats by virtue of this accomplishment alone, Slew is even more notable as the only Triple Crown winner to go undefeated as a three year hold. He came from humble beginnings, bought at public auction–the only Triple Crown winner to be acquired in this manner. After retiring to stud in’78 he remained a very profitable horse based on a stud fee of $300,000. His offspring earned over $76 million dollars at the race track and include over 100 stakes race winners including’84 Kentucky Derby champion Swale.

The Seattle Slew story started at a public auction in Kentucky–not exactly a venue expected to produce a future champion. Slew, in particular, was an unlikely heir to greatness. He was somewhat clumsy looking due to a front right forefoot splay and had a shuffling gait at trot. Slew wasn’t a beautifully majestic creature like his Triple Crown winning predecessor, Secretariat. In fact, he could have been considered borderline ugly–to the extent that he was nicknamed ‘Baby Huey’ by the Keeneland staff. What wasn’t apparent at the time was Slew’s mixture of championship intangibles–competitive desire, toughness, heart and enthusiasm. His owners had unwittingly stumbled onto an equine Muhammad Ali, and his competitive fire quickly became apparent to his trainers and jockeys. His first race came at Belmont Park in’76, and he entered–and won–three races as a two year old giving a glimpse as to what like ahead.

Slew became the Kentucky Derby favorite by winning his three prep races as a three year old, including prestigious Wood Memorial. In the Derby, Slew got off to a terrible start as he stumbled from the gate much like War Emblem did in the 2002 Belmont. Unlike 2002’s Triple Crown contender, however, Slew was able to recover from that miscue and basically force his way through a pack of other horses to position himself at the front of the field at the quarter mile pole. Slew would win the Derby by a length and 3 quarters. He took another tough victory at the Preakness before clinching the Triple Crown with a 4 length victory in the Belmont Stakes.

Slew ran in a few races as a 4 year old but in the pre-Breeders’ Cup days there wasn’t as many opportunities for an older horse. He retired to stud in’78, where he sired champions such as the aforementioned Swale and’92 Belmont Champ AP Indy.

Slew was in someways overshadowed during his prime by his predecessor–and arguably the greatest thoroughbred race horse in history–1973 Triple Crown winner Secretariat. In hindsight, however, it has finally been noted what an exceptional horse he really was. Jockey Angel Cordero, who rode Slew during the twilight of his career noted “If I had a chance to take any horse in the world, if someone said your life is depending on riding one horse to win, I would take (Slew). I rode 44,000 horses, but he was special, he was different. He was muscled, like a wrestler. He ran different than any other horse. It was like he came from another planet.”

Slew was laid to rest at Hill ‘n’ Dale Farm in Lexington, under a statue.

Ross Everett is a freelance sports writer and respected authority on sports betting odds comparison. He writing has appeared on a variety of sports sites including sports news and sportsbook directory sites. He lives in Northern Nevada with three Jack Russell Terriers and a kangaroo. He is currently working on an autobiography of former energy secretary Donald Hodell.

NFL Preseason Handicapping Basics

Among the sports betting public there’s a lot of conflicting opinions about betting NFL preseason games. That’s not really surprising, since there doesn’t seem to be much middle ground on the subject. Overly cautious handicappers would argue that preseason football is a poor wagering opportunity. Some of the more obnoxious tout services would have you believe that short of a fixed game there is no greater “lock” that preseason football. Like most things that produce such polarized opinions, the truth is probably somewhere in the middle of the two extremes. Preseason NFL football is a unique proposition for the sports gambler, but when approached with caution, discipline and knowledge it can yield some profit.

The most compelling argument against preseason wagering is simply that the games don’t count. While there are often spots during the regular season where teams may seem more or less motivated, in theory they all want to win. That’s not something that can be taken as a ‘given’ during the preseason, however, as the individual agendas of NFL coaching staffs can very widely. Some might want to win games to establish a winning attitude, others might put a greater focus on working in a new offensive or defensive scheme. Others may prioritize evaluating talent at key positions, while others may simply want to make it through to the regular season without any significant injuries. With all of the uncertainty swirling around preseason football, handicapping wins and losses against the pointspread can be exceedingly difficult.

The preseason NFL betting enthusiast would suggest, however, that it is the uncertainty that characterizes these games that makes for such a strong wagering opportunity. For example, in a matchup between a championship level team and a losing team you often see strongly divergent approaches to the game. Successful teams have more to worry about in terms of player injuries, fewer areas in which they need to evaluate talent, and more continuity in the areas of coaching and team chemistry. They often view preseason games as a chore, and have little interest in their outcome as long as they keep their superstars healthy.

On the other hand, consider the ‘lesser’ team in a preseason matchup. They often have a number of key starting positions they need to fill, along with backup positions up for grabs. They may have new coaching staffs that players want to impress, new offensive or defensive schemes to implement. Most significantly, ‘lesser’ teams often view the preseason as an opportunity to build team chemistry or create a winning attitude. A team trying to rebuild can benefit from winning *any* games, regardless of whether or not they count in the standings. For a league doormat, a win over an elite level opponent can serve as a rare highlight of a losing season.

Even teams that put a low priority on preseason games don’t want to lose them all. For this reason, a longterm winning situation has been to bet on teams that lose their first two preseason games outright. Over the past twenty years, 0-2 teams in this spot have produced a winning percentage right around 60%.

The philosophy of a NFL head coach is arguably the single most important factor contributing to preseason success. Some coaches always want to win, even if the games don’t count in the standings. Other coaches place a much greater importance on evaluating personnel and giving backups playing time they won’t have the opportunity to get during the regular season. The coaches that have a strong desire to win in the preseason often result in their team’s pointspreads being inflated somewhat, but a motivated team is always worth consideration for a wager.

The smart preseason handicapper makes use of the Internet, and more specifically uses it to follow the local sports media of NFL teams. During NFL preseasons, teams’ beat writers are anxious to write stories and need to fill articles but have little in the way of “real” news to write about. As a result, a handicapper can frequently find valuable details like a coach’s goals for the game, playing time for key players, and specific strategies that will be implemented. Occasionally, coaches will come out and say that they’re more interested in evaluating certain players for certain positions than they are in the outcome of the game. A thorough evaluation of this type of media coverage can often produce not only teams to play “on”, but teams with priorities other than winning to play “against”.

In conclusion, there are certainly strong opportunities for profit in NFL preseason wagering but its essential to understand that it cannot be approached in the same manner as the regular season. And, as always, its important to remember that there will be more strong opportunities down the road and that discipline and rigor in handicapping is just as crucial in the preseason NFL as it is at any other time of the year.

Ross Everett is a widely published freelance writer specializing in travel, poker and sports handicapping. He is a staff handicapper for Anatta Sports where he is responsible for providing daily free sports picks. In his spare time he enjoys fine dining, falconry and deep sea diving. He lives in Southern Nevada with four dogs and a pet coyote.

The True Story Of The Ali/Inoki Fight

Decades before mixed martial arts became popular in the United States, events matching fighters of different fighting disciplines were very common in Japan. They weren’t called “mixed martial arts” at the time, but that’s essentially what they were.There’s an entire history of pro wrestlers fighting specialists from other martial arts (particularly judo) that were leaving out, but during the’70’s Antonio Inoki began to put the concept of “mixed martial arts” on the map with his matches against fighters from other disciplines.

Before and after his matchup against Muhammad Ali, Inoki would frequently compete against other martial artists in what are widely accepted to be “worked” (ie: having a predetermined outcome) matches. Inoki fought boxer Chuck Wepner, judo Gold Medalist Wilhelm Ruska and world karate champion Willie Williams among others. His most famous match internationally, however, was against Ali.

There’s a great deal of uncertainty about many of the stories surrounding how the event came together and transpired, but a few facts are now known. Ali took the fight as it was a large and presumptively easy paycheck. The big money he was earning is what kept him from walking out when his camp started to disagree with Inoki’s handlers over the rules and ‘finish’ fo the fight. Some suggest that it was supposed to be a fair fight going in, but Ali at the last minute insisted on rules more favorable to him. The more likely version of events is that Ali’s handlers agreed to a predetermined finish, only to have Ali balk at the last moment.

By the time the fight began, Ali’s handlers had obtained a ridiculously one sided set of rules that prohibited Inkoi from using a closed fist, striking Ali in the head at all, using any chokes or submissions or even trying to take the fight to the ground. Were it not for the huge amount of money he’d be leaving on the table, Inoki would have been justified in not fighting at all under these highly restrictive and one-sided conditions.

Despite the repeated howls from the media that the fight was ‘fixed’, it was anything but–it was a real fight and painfully boring. Ali did next to nothing, Inoki did whatever he could within the one sided rules. Eventually, Inoki spent most of the fight on the ground trying to throw kicks at Ali’s legs. The event ended up as a 74-74 draw. Both fighters got paid, and the fans got to watch a fight albeit a really, really bad one.

Some interesting trivia about the fight–the referee was former pro wrestler “Judo” Gene Labell, who is considered by many ‘the baddest man on the planet’ even in his 80’s. He could have very likely beaten up both men at the same time–a spectacle that might have been welcomed by the live crowd and closed circuit audience worldwide.

After the fight, Inoki’s popularity in Japan was greater than ever. He became something of a hero for trying to fight despite having the rules so decidedly in his opponent’s favor. He’d continue his fights against other martial artists and remain one of the country’s most popular sports figures for years to come. His ‘worked’ martial arts matches can be credited with sparking later hybrid promotions showcasing pro wrestling and martial arts that evolved into PRIDE, RINGS and the major Japanese fight promotions of today.

Ross Everett is a freelance sports writer and respected authority on sports betting odds comparison. He writing has appeared on a variety of sports sites including sportsbooks and World Cup betting sites. He lives in Las Vegas with three Jack Russell Terriers and a kangaroo. He is currently working on an autobiography of former energy secretary Donald Hodell.

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