UPDATE: 2/5/2014, 5:20 EST:

Reverend Al Sharpton released a statement on the announced Zimmerman vs DMX boxing match:

“We must be very careful not to glorify or in any way sidestep the implications of making someone whose only claim to fame was killing an unarmed young man named Trayvon Martin into a cultural celebrity or hero. He has the right to pursue whatever he wants in life, yet we also have the obligation to be discerning about who we lift and to what level. It is perfectly legal for him to exploit his fame but we should never forget what he is famous for and not behave like he is a celebrity based on gifts or talent or contributions to society. I am concerned about the precedent that it sets.”

UPDATE: 2/5/2014, 3:38 EST:

Domenick Nati, of Nati Celebrity Services, released this statement on DMX’s behalf:

“The boxing match between George Zimmerman and DMX is not officially confirmed. DMX has promised to “beat his ass”, but no contract or paperwork has been signed or agreed to yet. DMX will release an official statement if and when an agreement is made.”

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Rapper DMX was selected out of 15,000 applicants to fight George Zimmerman in a “celebrity” boxing match, TMZ reports.

Read more from TMZ:

As we first reported, DMX promised to massacre Zimmerman in the ring if he got the chance. To be exact, he said, “I am going to beat the living f**k out him … I am breaking every rule in boxing to make sure I f**k him right up.” He then said he’d literally piss on George’s face. Zimmerman might actually have a chance though — as we reported, he’s been training pretty hard for months … oh yeah, and he’s only 30 years old. DMX is 43.

As NewsOne previously reported, Zimmerman, who was found not guilty on murder charges after he followed and eventually gunned down 17-year-old Trayvon Martin on February 26, 2012, will participate in the “celebrity” boxing match that will be aired online and on Pay-Per-View on March 1, 2014.

“It was my idea,” Zimmerman, 30, said in an interview with Radar Online. “Prior to the incident I was actually going to the gym for weight loss and doing boxing-type training for weight loss and a mutual friend put me in contact with Damon and provided me with an opportunity and motivation to get back in shape and continue with my weight loss goals and also be able to help a charity out.”

The “incident,” of course, is his killing of an unarmed teenager.

Read more from Radar Online:

“Boxing isn’t new to me. It’s something I had picked up well before the incident and it’s something that I liked, I enjoyed, and I kept up with it and I was able to lose a tremendous amount of weight and get a healthy lifestyle,” he told Radar. “So it’s not a new hobby, it’s something I have been doing and wanting to pursue to maintain a healthy lifestyle.” … “I don’t have a preference [on opponent] as long as it goes to charity, doesn’t matter to me. Hopefully someone that won’t hurt me too bad!” Zimmerman said, but after thinking about it a minute told Radar, “If I had my top three I’d say Papa Smurf, the Easter Bunny and maybe the Michelin Man.”

Zimmerman, who has taken full advantage of his notoriety, shared the news on his Twitter page.

California rapper The Game also wanted to “beat the f*ck out of” Zimmerman, but his offer apparently wasn’t accepted.

Zimmerman had reportedly expressed interest in fighting rapper Kanye West because he has a reputation of bullying “defenseless” people, according to match promoter Damon Feldman.

According to TMZ, the boxing match will be 3 rounds, with the date, time, and location being announced at a news conference next Wednesday.

Twitter reacts to the announcement:

Zimmerman is so phobic about Skittles that he shot & killed a child but he thinks he can fight DMX?? Uh-huh… lol — Gina (@redhed67) February 5, 2014

– DMX be on too much drugs he might end up killing George Zimmerman — TRAP LAFLARE (@WellDamnTrap) February 5, 2014

we really turned George Zimmerman into a celebrity. lmao. I’m torn between laughing and shaking my head in disgust — #RAMENBOYZ (@CoonGod) February 5, 2014

If DMX get in the ring wit Zimmerman coked up… He might get dropped — Chalky White (@DrewWhosUrDaddy) February 5, 2014

if dmx lose to zimmerman it’ll be this generation’s version of MLK getting shot. — Sean. (@Seantaneous) February 5, 2014

Any rapper get knocked out by Zimmerman I’m making a full conversion to country music — Jersey Savage (@DTrellzBeats) February 5, 2014

So the George Zimmerman vs. DMX fight is actually happening. This can’t be life. — fase (@iamfase) February 5, 2014

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