Thomas LaManna (37-5-1, 16 KOs) has survived being written off. On May 31, live on Prime Video (8:00 p.m. ET / 5:00 p.m. PT / 1:00 a.m. UK), he gets a shot to flip the script against unbeaten two-division champ Jermall Charlo (32-0, 22 KOs) in a 10-round super middleweight co-feature at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas.
LaManna’s riding a nine-fight win streak. Charlo hasn’t fought since 2021. If ever there was a time for an ambush, it’s now.
Charlo’s return gets a live body — LaManna’s no stepping stone
Charlo’s name still holds weight, but the inactivity has people asking questions. Depression, layoffs, rust — it’s all been out there. LaManna? He doesn’t care. “We’re still gonna fight,” he said. “Mental health is real, but in the ring, none of it matters.”
The New Jersey veteran says he’s done playing the underdog the wrong way. After getting embarrassed by Erislandy Lara in 2021, he nearly quit the sport altogether. Now? He says he’s back with purpose — filled out to 168, sparring right, and dialed in. “When I came back, I knew I wanted to do it the right way.”
Don’t expect fireworks from LaManna. Expect volume, hustle, and an unshakable belief that Charlo is vulnerable. “I definitely have the momentum,” he says. The odds disagree. He doesn’t care.
Sink or swim time for Charlo — and LaManna wants to drown him
Let’s get real. If Charlo can’t beat LaManna clean, he’s not a player at 168. Not now. Not after all this time off. Not with Benavidez and Canelo circling the division like sharks. This is either a sharp return or the start of a downfall.
LaManna isn’t a puncher, but he’s consistent. If Charlo’s sharpness is gone, it’ll show. If his head’s still in another place, LaManna’s pressure will get to him. It’s not the “sexy” comeback fight. It’s the dangerous one no one takes seriously.
LaManna knows what’s on the line. “I want it all. I want the biggest fights out there.” But he’s not dumb enough to look past Charlo. That would be suicide.
And Charlo? He’s got one job: remind people why they feared him. Or fade.
Event Info
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Date: Saturday, May 31, 2025
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Venue: Michelob ULTRA Arena, Mandalay Bay, Las Vegas, NV
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Start Time: 5:00 p.m. local / 8:00 p.m. ET / 1:00 a.m. UK
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Broadcaster: LIVE on Prime Video (included with Amazon Prime)
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Tickets: AXS.com
Main Fight Info
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Jermall Charlo vs. Thomas LaManna – 10 rounds, super middleweight
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Caleb Plant (c) vs. Armando Reséndiz – 12 rounds, Interim WBA super middleweight title