With a May 31 clash looming against two-division champion Jermall Charlo, New Jersey’s Thomas “Cornflake” LaManna is dismissing premature talk of a Charlo vs. Caleb Plant showdown. According to LaManna, the narrative swirling around that potential “grudge match” disrespects both him and Plant’s May 31 foe, Jose Armando Resendiz.
“We’re not talking about Plant versus Charlo,” LaManna. “Let the fights happen first, and then what happens, happens.”
LaManna (39-5-1, 18 KOs), who most recently fought in March, sees the upcoming bout at Las Vegas’ Mandalay Bay as his biggest career opportunity. Though Charlo (33-0, 22 KOs) has remained largely inactive - fighting just once in four years - LaManna recognizes the Houston-based boxer’s pedigree. However, he believes Charlo’s time away from the ring may work in his own favor.
“He’s not the same, I don’t think,” LaManna said. “But there’s only one way to find out - fighting the fight. Timing is everything, and I’m the chosen one to get him on his comeback.”
LaManna, 33, admits he nearly retired during the pandemic due to stalled opportunities. Yet he continued training, waiting for a chance to prove himself. Now that the bout with Charlo is finalized, LaManna says he intends to spoil both Charlo’s long-awaited return and any potential unification showdown further down the line.
“I’m just really happy to be a part of it,” he added. “Being a co-main on Amazon is crazy. I’ll make the best of it. This is everything - my biggest challenge, but also my biggest reward.”
Image Credit: Showtime