Latest news with #Kickboxer
South China Morning Post
30-07-2025
- Entertainment
- South China Morning Post
ONE Championship: Takeru must earn chance at revenge against Rodtang
When you've spent years covering fighters, you start to recognise the ones who have it. That undefinable X-factor. The kind of charisma and presence that doesn't just fill an arena – it lingers in the memory. Takeru Segawa is one of those rare fighters. Across hundreds of interviews over the years, I've noticed a common thread, particularly with many Western fighters: they got into combat sports because of films: Kickboxer, Bloodsport, Street Fighter, Mortal Kombat. These films truly helped shape a generation of combat sports icons. Takeru evokes that same energy. Whether it's his bespoke walkout kimono, movie star looks, or the sea of fans that erupts when his music hits, the man radiates the aura of a big-screen action hero. He's the kind of fighter youths would pin a poster of on their bedroom wall. But this is a brutal business, and in combat sports, action heroes don't always get fairy tale endings. Takeru Segawa has legions of fans in his native Japan. Photo: ONE Championship Now 34, recently married, and already a multi-time world champion, Takeru has lived the dream. He became a legend in K-1 and was Japan's biggest kickboxing star before signing with ONE Championship – a move driven by one goal: to fight Rodtang Jitmuangnon.
Al Bawaba
07-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Al Bawaba
Jean-Claude Van Damme accused of ties to Human Trafficking ring—was the 'Gift' a crime?
ALBAWABA - Jean-Claude Van Damme is under investigation after shocking allegations link him to a human trafficking case. According to CNN's Antena 3 channel, Jean-Claude Van Damme found himself at the heart of a scandal after reports of his involvement in a case relating to human trafficking and organized prostitution. This surprising news created considerable uproar on social media, and it landed Van Damme at the center of a scandal. During an event that took place in Cannes, France, the well-known Belgian actor, who is known for films such as Kickboxer, Double Impact, and Street Fighter, reportedly met numerous individuals who are currently being investigated for sex trafficking charges. According to the allegations, Van Damme was presented with a "gift" consisting of five Romanian models who were reportedly victims of a human trafficking ring during this event. Actor Jean-Claude Van Damme (Photo by ROBYN BECK / AFP) A lawyer for one of the victims, Adrian Koukoulis, stated that "the person who received these services (referring to Van Damme) was aware that the women were victims of human trafficking." Koukoulis, who represents one of the victims, was referring to Van Damme. In addition, he stated that this particular occurrence is merely a component of a more comprehensive investigation that was initiated by the Romanian Public Prosecutor's Office in the year 2020. The investigation is centered on an organized criminal network that is involved in the exploitation of women and juveniles.
Yahoo
03-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Jean-Claude Van Damme accused of having sex with victims of sex trafficking
The Romanian Directorate for Investigating Organized Crime and Terrorism (DIICOT) has reportedly filed a criminal complaint against Belgian actor Jean-Claude Van Damme. According to CNN affiliate, Antena 3, the 64-year-old martial artist-turned-actor, best known for his roles in Kickboxer, Double Impact and Street Fighter, is reportedly facing legal action in Romania for knowingly having sex with several women who were victims of sex trafficking. The actor allegedly met with several people also under investigation for sex trafficking crimes who offered to let him have sex with five Romanian models as a "gift." One of these people is believed to be Romanian businessman and modeling agency owner Morel Bolea. This alleged incident is said to have taken place in Cannes and a timeframe was not noted. Adrian Cuculis, the lawyer of one of the alleged victims, stated: 'At an event organised by Jean-Claude Van Damme in Cannes, several Romanians, who are currently under investigation for forming a criminal group and pimping, allegedly offered Jean-Claude Van Damme five Romanian women - photo models in Romania - for sex.' He added: 'The person who received these services was aware of their condition.' According to Cuculis, the incident involving Jean-Claude Van Damme is part of a larger investigation launched in 2020 by the Romanian prosecutor's office into trafficking in human beings and minors. Considering the location of the alleged acts, the French Court de Cassation has to authorise the initiation of criminal proceedings so that the suspects can be summoned to Romania.
