Thomas LaManna On The Rise
By Robert Brizel, Real Combat Media Correspondent
Millville, NY (February 5, 2013)–Nicknamed ‘Cornflake’ because his physique looks more like a cornflake than anything else, Millville, New Jersey middleweight prospect Thomas LaManna, 21, is on rapid rise to contender in the Northeastern United States. LaManna turned pro at age 19 on February 11, 2011, with a first round stoppage of Anthony Williams at Bally’s Hotel and Casino in Atlantic City, New Jersey, noteworthy as Williams was the first professional fighter to fight while chewing gum. Needless to say, it wasn’t a good idea. In April, LaManna returned to Bally’s stopping Bobby Bynum in the first round as well.
In June, LaManna had his first test, getting taken the four round distance by tough Mexican Yehudy Vargas at the Best Western Hotel in Newark, New Jersey, who moved well and took LaManna’s best shots, refusing to go. LaManna had to outbox the shorter fighter, and used height sand reach advantage to outpoint him easily.
After stopping Reggie Jenkins in the first round in Atlantc City, and outpointing Josh Williams in four rounds in Newark, LaManna stopped Ivory Joyner in two rounds in Nebraska to finish out 2011. In February 2012, LaManna stopped Daniel Crabtree in three rounds in Nutley, New Jersey. In April 2012, LaManna went six rounds for the first time, getting taken the distance by tough Nebraska fighter Sean Rawley Wilson at Resort’s Hotel and Casino in Atlantic City, winning every round.
In August 2012, LaManna got taken to school by Yolexcy Leiva, a rugged Tennessee journeyman with a winning record. Leiva came forward in the middle rounds 2, 3 and 4 and put pressure on LaManna to win rounds, punching holes in the young fighter’s defense and forcing LaManna to cover on the ropes defensively for much of the bout into a counter punching mode. LaManna returned to an offensive posture in the last two rounds, going toe-to-toe with Leiva and barely pulling out a close split decision over six rounds in a close, exciting bout.
This past November, LaManna stopped Erick Hernandez Perez in four rounds at the New Jersey Motorsports Park in Millville, New Jersey. A scheduled bout in Staten Island this month failed ot take place, as the promoter of that card, Eric Bottjer, acknowledged what others already know, LaManna has had a rough time finding opponents as he rises through the middleweight ranks. LaManna is next scheduled to return in a six rounder in New Jersey on March 15, 2013.
LaManna’s flaws in boxing style include being tall but lanky, using too many arm punches when his jabs should be straight and crisp, and being unable to handle strong offensive fighters who can get inside and cut the distance and push him around like Yolexcy Leiva did. Once his defense is penetrated, LaManna becomes confused and does not move well. He is capable of changing his game plan midstream and listening to his corner, which enabled him to change his approach midway through the Leiva bout.
Against a more experienced opponent, LaManna will need to move better and not allow penetration on the inside. If LaManna is back up or allows the fight to go inside center ring or on the ropes, he gives away rounds carelessly. His defensive skills need work. He has also proven susceptible to counter left hands after throwing the overhand right, so his offense needs to be perfected to eliminate the style flaw. Using too many arm punches, LaManna need to work on throwing left jabs and jab combinations more accurately with greater polish, which will enable him to score more points with his punches, which were still a bit awkward in the decision scraps he has won to this point.
LaManna is young, and has started his career early enough that his trainers can continue to bring him along and make defensive improvements and offense style adjustments. While not perfect, Thomas ‘Cornflake’ LaManna has made slow but steady improvement and should be ready to fight an eight rounder by summer 2013.
LaManna’s record stands at 10-0, with six knockouts, and he is ranked 69th in the United states and 283rd in the world at middleweight by Boxrec. He fought Ivory Joiner at 147 pounds, and Daniel Crabtree at 148 pounds, Reggie Jenkins at 147 pounds, and Yehudy Vargas and 146 pounds, well within the welterweight range. Another consideration is whether LaManna would be better off fighting at welterweight than middleweight, where he could generate more power from his unique frame.
LaManna’s physique frame will have to be transitioned from its ‘cornflake’ appearance into a powerful fighter’s ‘V’ to know precisely what weight class LaManna will be best suited for as the level of his competition rises in 2013 and 2014. While exceeding popular in New Jersey, LaManna will have to take his game one notch higher in ability and level of opponent if he wants his career to move to the international stage. His improvement will be carefully gauged by the press. Slow but sure, Thomas LaManna’s career continues to rise. As the level of difficulty of his competition increases with time, LaManna better be ready to meet the challenge.
DONATE TO THE VICTIMS OF HURRICANE SANDY : www.redcross.org/donate
HELP STOP WORLD HUNGER: www.realcombatmedia.com/rcm-stop-world-hunger
LEARN HOW TO FIGHT, WORKOUT & IMPROVE ENDURANCE:RCM MMA & BOXING STORE
We are always looking for new talent for the fastest growing US and UK based, Combat website. We have openings for the following positions – Internet Sales Advertising, Boxing Correspondents, MMA Correspondents and voluntary Radio Correspondents. There are also plenty of advertising and sponsorship opportunities available on our website for your business If you are a career minded individual and serious about starting a career or continuing your career in combat journalism, our contacts are below.
COMMENTS
English