The “celebrity” boxing match between rapper DMX and George Zimmerman has been canceled, after promoter Damon Feldman surprisingly decided to take the moral high ground on the issue. On Twitter, Feldman posted the following remarks:
“I’m sorry for anyone I hurt with this, but this was a very big opportunity. More to life then [sic] money. It was worth a lot of money to me, but people’s feelings meant more to me. I walked away from a million dollar payday with this fight but to be honest, I’d rather be happy and make people happy. Thank you.”
He was later interviewed by
Rolling Stone, where he further elaborated on his decision. “I looked into the eyes of my son and daughter today and couldn’t imagine someone killing them and getting off scot-free. It just really hurt. It was a tough decision because I could have made two million dollars here, but at least I have my dignity. I’m happy. Thank you.”
The fight was tentatively scheduled for March 15th, though contract negotiations with DMX had yet to be finalized.
While these types of sensationalistic events certainly conjure media attention, it was rather evident that this attention was staunchly negative. To draw on the notoriety of Zimmerman for profit is an incredibly greedy and despicable act, and we’re certainly glad that Feldman is seeing this rationally.
