It was a project doomed from the start. Earlier this week, TMZ began dropping hints about a celebrity boxing match that would have pit acquitted murder defendant George Zimmerman against rapper DMX. Now, despite DMX’s promise to “beat the living fuck out” about of his potential opponent, it looks like he won’t have the chance.
On Saturday, the promoter of the boxing match, Damon Feldman, announced on Twitter that he has decided not to move forward with it.
The George Zimmerman fight is canceled I'm sorry for anyone I hurt with this but this was a very big opportunity thank you
— Damon Feldman (@hollywoodbox11) February 8, 2014
I want to thank everyone for the good n bad comments I've made the choice to cancel the fight w George Zimmermann more to life then money
— Damon Feldman (@hollywoodbox11) February 8, 2014
It was my decision to cancel the george zimmerman fight it was worth a lot of money to me but people's feelings meant more to me
— Damon Feldman (@hollywoodbox11) February 8, 2014
I walked away from av million dollar payday with this fight but to be honest I'd rather be happy and make people happy thank you
— Damon Feldman (@hollywoodbox11) February 8, 2014
Feldman’s decision comes after the fight was roundly criticized for exploiting the death of Trayvon Martin, who Zimmerman shot and killed in February 2012 and would have turned 19 years old this past Wednesday.
CNN’s Don Lemon spoke out against the idea earlier in the week, saying, “I’m sure like DMX, George Zimmerman needs a gimmick for a quick buck. But that buck should not be made on the back of a dead teenager. I for one will be standing my ground by having no part in the DMX/George Zimmerman circus act, if it does happens.”
In addition, Philadelphia Magazine held a poll asking readers if they thought the match, which had been scheduled for March 15th, should be canceled. 95% of respondents said yes.
[photos via Wikimedia Commons]
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