Thomas “Cornflake” LaManna feels like he’s practically invisible.
Although he has a fight lined up with Jermall Charlo, most are overlooking him. To the boxing world, LaManna is considered the appetizer, or in other words, the meal before the meal.
As first reported by The Ring, if Charlo (33-0, 22 KOs) takes care of business against LaManna, and Caleb Plant takes out Jose Armando Resendiz on the same card, then the two will meet up later this year.
LaManna (39-5-1, 18 KOs) knows he’s supposed to be the sacrificial lamb so to speak. He’s perfectly fine with people downplaying his chances and talking trash behind his back. However, keep those words to yourself whenever LaManna walks into a room.
“Everybody’s talking about Plant vs. Charlo,” said LaManna to FightHype.com. “But we are not doing that around me.”
The way LaManna sees it, we aren’t stuck in 2019 anymore. By and large, Charlo was at the top of his game and one of the more active fights around. But, since then, he’s rarely fought. Actually, to be exact, he’s walked through those ropes just twice in five years.
It’s been difficult pinpointing his exact issues but the personal side of his life has interfered with what was once a promising career.
Still, despite it all, Charlo is expected to pick up where he left off, run through LaManna, and make his way to a showdown with Plant. LaManna understands where his doubters are coming from but he doesn't appreciate their dubious voices.
Since losing via first-round stoppage to Erislandy Lara back in 2021, LaManna has picked up nine consecutive victories. His career overall, is a bit ambiguous. He’s yet to grab a big-time win over a notable name but his current form gives at least an indication that he might be reaching his prime.
The proliferation of his win streak, paired with the inactivity and unpredictable nature of Charlo, has LaManna believing that he’s more than capable of pushing the former champ out of the picture and capturing the spotlight for himself.
“I can beat Jermall Charlo!”