Aging action star Van Damme, 49, still wants a pro fight

Repeating what he said in September, Van Damme is trying to land a professional kickboxing match against former Olympian Somluck Kamsing in Macau as the capper to a proposed reality show. During a press conference in Ukraine, Van Damme explained his motivation. “[It’s] dangerous but life is short,” said Van Damme. “I want to prove […]

Repeating what he said in September, Van Damme is trying to land a professional kickboxing match against former Olympian Somluck Kamsing in Macau as the capper to a proposed reality show. During a press conference in Ukraine, Van Damme explained his motivation.

“[It’s] dangerous but life is short,” said Van Damme. “I want to prove to young people and even to mature people that a man can go into some very strong physical effort and training, and also be a movie star.”  

Kamsing, 35, was the 1996 Olympic Gold medallist in boxing at 126 pounds. He also fought in the 2000 and 2004 Olympics, losing to Rocky Juarez and Benoit Gaudet, respectively. The Nevada State Athletic Commission would never approve a fight with the [49-year-old] Jean Claude facing a former Olympian.

The Belgian born actor has had to contend with marital strife and cocaine addiction. He was married four times between 1984 and 1994. In 1997, His fifth wife filed for divorce on grounds of drug addiction and spousal abuse. He later remarried his third wife. He has not enjoyed box office success for long and may be looking for new ways to re-invent himself.