Thomas LaManna

Born on November 12, 1991, in Belleville, New Jersey, Thomas “Cornflake” LaManna is an American professional boxer known for entrepreneurial spirit. Standing at 6’1” with a 74-inch reach, he competes in the middleweight division. Raised in Millville, New Jersey, LaManna was significantly influenced by his father, Vinny LaManna, who was actively involved in the local boxing scene. This familial connection to the sport instilled in him a strong work ethic and a passion for boxing from a young age.

LaManna’s amateur career was modest, with a record of 20 wins and 21 losses. Despite this, he gained valuable experience by participating in regional tournaments, including the New Jersey Golden Gloves, which laid the foundation for his professional journey. He turned professional in 2011 while still in high school and quickly made a name for himself by winning his first 16 fights, remaining undefeated until 2015.

One of LaManna’s significant early bouts took place in September 2016 when he faced Dusty Hernandez Harrison for the vacant USBA Welterweight Title at the 2300 Arena in Philadelphia. Despite a valiant effort, LaManna lost by unanimous decision in a competitive ten-round match. In September 2022, he claimed the vacant WBA Fedecaribe Middleweight Title with a unanimous decision victory over Michel Marcano in Santiago de Tolú, Colombia. Earlier, in August 2022, he earned a unanimous decision victory against Saul Roman in Atlantic City, further solidifying his standing in the middleweight division.

In December 2023, LaManna secured a seventh-round TKO victory over Nicolas Hernandez at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey, showcasing his power and tactical prowess. Earlier that year, in July, LaManna defended his WBA Fedelatin Middleweight Title against Juan Manuel Witt, achieving a third-round stoppage at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City. He also had a significant victory over Juan Carlos Abreu in 2024, claiming the WBA Gold Middleweight title.

Beyond the ring, LaManna is the founder of Rising Star Promotions, a company dedicated to providing opportunities for emerging boxers, particularly in the Atlantic City area. He is also a devoted family man, often sharing moments with his wife and children on social media.

Thomas LaManna exemplifies classic American boxing fundamentals blended with Mexican influence and an awareness of African-American stylistic elements. A true student of the sport, LaManna relies on sharp, straight punches and precise adjustments to enter and exit range with minimal wasted movement. His jab is fundamental and disciplined, used not only to measure and disrupt but also to frame opponents and keep them vulnerable to his favorite combinations.

His footwork is subtle yet purposeful. He slips into range with calculated steps, maintaining balance and positioning to either launch a flurry of punches or counter effectively. LaManna's foundation is rooted in the traditional American stance: balanced and poised, designed to strike from multiple angles. His movement embodies the characteristics of African-American boxing culture—fluid and strategic—while his conditioning and volume reflect the heart of Mexican boxing.

LaManna’s uppercuts, particularly from mid-range, showcase his hand speed and often serve as punctuation marks in his combinations. These uppercuts are executed straight down the middle, intended to disrupt his opponent's equilibrium or end the fight outright. This classic weapon is used with modern precision. Drawing influence from both Mexican pressure fighters and slick counterpunchers, LaManna has developed a hybrid style; he can swarm when necessary or box calmly from a defensive stance.

Tactically, LaManna applies pressure with feints, jabs, and smart foot positioning, always thinking several steps ahead. He employs a mix of head movement and a tight-guard defense inspired by both the Philly Shell and traditional high-guard systems. While not the flashiest fighter, his ring IQ enables him to read opponents and set traps effectively, much like the cerebral African-American boxing greats before him.

Philosophically, LaManna embodies a melting pot of styles: American boxing fundamentals, Mexican heart and volume, and the creativity and rhythm of African-American tradition. He is a "country strong" fighter—akin to a Larry Bird-type in the ring—simple in his techniques but devastating in their results.