Thomas LaManna’s Career-Defining Opportunity

Thomas LaManna is on the cusp of a career-altering moment in professional boxing.

Scheduled to square off against former WBC middleweight champion Jermall Charlo on Saturday, May 31, this bout represents far more than just another entry on his fight record.

For LaManna, it’s not only the most high-profile and lucrative fight of his career—it’s also a defining opportunity to silence critics and prove he belongs in the upper echelon of the sport.

Charlo, known for his knockout power and undefeated streak, has long been one of the most dominant forces in the middleweight division.

Facing him in the ring is a monumental task for any fighter, let alone one who has faced relatively modest competition in recent years. So why was Thomas LaManna chosen—and what does he bring to the table?

Fuxk the talks Im bout to change my life forever 😈🤞 #darkplaces

— Thomas “Cornflake” LaManna (@Cornflakeboxing) October 10, 2024

The Rise of “Cornflake” LaManna

Born and raised in Millville, New Jersey, Thomas “Cornflake” LaManna began boxing at a young age, turning professional in 2011.

Over the years, he amassed a respectable record, building a reputation as a hard-working and technically sound fighter.

His journey hasn’t been without setbacks—losses to the likes of Jorge Cota, Brian Mendoza, and Jason Quigley slowed his ascent—but LaManna remained committed to improving his craft.

At 6’2″, LaManna is tall for a middleweight, often using his reach and jab to control distance. He’s a boxer-puncher by nature, relying on movement and volume rather than raw power.

Though not known for his knockout ability, he boasts over 30 wins and has faced a wide range of regional-level opponents.

TGB Promotions and the Matchmaking Dilemma

From a promotional standpoint, finding a viable opponent for Jermall Charlo—who hadn’t fought since June 2021 before this fight was booked—was a challenge.

While fans and pundits clamored for Charlo to face top-tier names like Demetrius Andrade or David Benavidez, Charlo’s long layoff and questions about his readiness made a softer comeback fight more likely.

Enter LaManna.

TGB Promotions, which often works with Premier Boxing Champions (PBC), saw LaManna as a safe but competent option: someone with enough experience to look credible, but not enough firepower to be a serious threat.

For Charlo, this bout serves as a re-entry point into the sport, a way to dust off the ring rust without risking too much.

Is Thomas LaManna More Than a Tune-Up?

At first glance, it might appear that LaManna is simply being brought in as cannon fodder for Charlo.

However, dismissing him outright would be unwise.

While LaManna is not an elite contender, he is far from a pushover. He has championship ambitions of his own and has long sought a marquee fight to elevate his status.

LaManna also possesses attributes that could make things interesting—particularly his height, jab, and activity rate.

Against an opponent like Charlo, who might be slower to start after a lengthy layoff, a busy fighter like LaManna could potentially steal early rounds on the scorecards if he stays disciplined.

Still, the gap in class is undeniable. Charlo is faster, stronger, and more battle-tested, with victories over names like Julian Williams, Sergiy Derevyanchenko, and Austin Trout.

For LaManna to even be competitive, he’ll need to fight the perfect fight—and hope that Charlo is significantly diminished from his prime form.

What’s at Stake for LaManna?

For Thomas LaManna, this fight represents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Win or lose, he stands to earn the biggest payday of his career and gain national exposure.

But beyond the financial rewards, LaManna is fighting for something less tangible but far more meaningful: validation.

LaManna has long been viewed as a solid journeyman—a fighter good enough to win regional titles but never quite good enough to compete on the world stage.

A strong showing against Charlo, even in defeat, could reshape that narrative and open doors to future fights against bigger names.

And in the improbable event that LaManna pulls off the upset, it would rank among the biggest shockers in modern boxing history. It would instantly catapult him into title contention and change his life forever.

Jermall Charlo: A Champion Rebuilding

On the other side of the ring, Jermall Charlo enters this fight with plenty to prove himself.

Once viewed as one of the most dangerous men in the middleweight division, Charlo’s prolonged inactivity has left fans and analysts wondering whether his best days are behind him.

After more than three years out of the ring due to personal and mental health struggles, Charlo needs this fight to remind the boxing world of who he is.

LaManna, for all his shortcomings as a challenger, provides the perfect test for Charlo’s return—not too risky, but legitimate enough to serve as a measuring stick.

If Charlo looks sharp and scores an emphatic win, he’ll re-enter the conversation for mega-fights with names like Canelo Alvarez, Caleb Plant, or Jaime Munguía. But if he struggles—even slightly—the questions about his long-term viability as a top-tier fighter will only grow louder.

Tale of the Tape: Strengths and Weaknesses

Thomas LaManna – Strengths:

• Tall and rangy for the division

• High punch output

• Technically disciplined

• Underrated durability

Weaknesses:

• Lacks elite-level power

• Susceptible to pressure fighters

• Has struggled against upper-tier opponents

• Defensive lapses at close range

Jermall Charlo – Strengths:

• Elite power and timing

• Strong jab and ring IQ

• High-level experience against top opponents

• Excellent footwork and composure

Weaknesses:

• Long layoff—potential ring rust

• Unknown mental and physical sharpness post-hiatus

• Sometimes overly patient in early rounds

Predictions and Public Perception

The general consensus is clear: Jermall Charlo is the overwhelming favorite to win. Oddsmakers have installed him as a heavy betting favorite, and most boxing analysts expect a dominant performance.

However, boxing history is full of unexpected twists. Buster Douglas knocking out Mike Tyson. Andy Ruiz Jr. stunning Anthony Joshua.

Also Read: Nick Emmanwori’s Draft Day Moment: The 5 Words That Stole the Show

Who is Thomas LaManna?

A Deep Dive into the Career of the Resilient Boxer

Born on November 12, 1991, in Belleville, New Jersey, Thomas LaManna grew up in a region known for its deep boxing roots.

From a young age, LaManna demonstrated a strong interest in the sport, surrounded by influences that encouraged his entry into the ring.

His upbringing in a working-class family instilled in him the values of determination and perseverance—traits that would come to define his professional boxing career.

As a youth, LaManna gravitated toward boxing not just for the athletic challenge, but also for the discipline and structure it brought into his life. He began training seriously in his teenage years and quickly gained attention on the local amateur circuit in New Jersey.

Though he did not have a storied amateur career like some of his peers, he was known for his work ethic and willingness to take on tough fights.

Physical Attributes and Style

Standing at six feet one inch tall with a 74-inch reach, LaManna possesses a physical frame that lends itself well to boxing.

His height and wingspan give him a natural advantage, especially in the welterweight and middleweight divisions where reach can be a determining factor in controlling the tempo of a bout.

Stylistically, LaManna is not considered a pure knockout artist—his 46.15% knockout percentage (18 KOs in 39 wins) reflects a fighter who relies more on technique and timing than sheer power.

He has the ability to wear down opponents over time, particularly those who underestimate his skills or become too reckless in their approach.

While not known for flashy combinations or elite-level speed, LaManna is an intelligent fighter who looks to capitalize on openings and avoid unnecessary punishment.