Sparring Match
Playboy steps into the ring with Damon Dash
PLAYBOY: Why clothes, why now?
DASH: Everyone seems to be wearing prints nowadays. I felt a little funny following that trend, so I started CEO to bring the sensibilities of classic style back. I needed something that would reflect my point of view on my evolution as an individual. I'm 35 years old now and I still dress the same as I did before, but I like the fabric to be a little better and I like the fit to be a little better. My lifestyle is the new American dream; I'm someone that can identify with the hood and be well versed in every kind of demographic. I can be in Paris one day and Harlem the next.
PLAYBOY: You also own the license to PRO-Keds. Why did that interest you?
DASH: When I was a kid, PRO-Keds was the number one sneaker you could have and the brand has never been compromised. Now we've got the old school PRO-Keds for the old cats and we got the new school PRO-Keds for the younger dudes.
PLAYBOY: Is it true that you never wear a pair of shoes twice?
DASH: 100 percent true. Maybe boots I will wear more than once, but sneakers I give to charity after one wear.
PLAYBOY: Let's talk about boxing. Why did you get into Dash-DiBella promotions?
DASH: I've been boxing my whole life at Boys' Clubs and Golden Gloves. I've always really appreciated the work ethic that goes into training. I respect the skill and art of boxing. When people heard I was looking to promote, a lot of fighters sought me out. They know I'm fair, they know I'm about making money and making money for the people around me. I partnered with promoter Lou DiBella, and we decided that I could learn the boxing business from him while I do the marketing and help boost a fighter's exposure.
PLAYBOY: How are you going to bring a fighter like Andre Berto to the masses?
DASH: He's in Playboy isn't he? I'm right there with him. If they're looking at me, they're also looking at him.
PLAYBOY: Where do you see Berto going?
DASH: To the top. He's in the most prestigious weight class and he's annihilating people. It's not like he is just beating people and squeaking by, he is annihilating people. No one wants to fight him. We need an opponent that's not scared.
PLAYBOY: How good of a fighter were you when you were in Golden Gloves?
DASH: I was knocking motherfuckers out with two hands. I was ambidextrous with it. I was nice.
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