Thomas “Cornflake” LaManna (30-4-1) has the opportunity of a lifetime coming up on the horizon. On May 1st he will take on Erislandy Lara (27-3-3) for the vacant WBA "regular" middleweight title at the Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif. The fight will top a free to air FOX broadcast that will lead into the Andy Ruiz Jr-Chris Arreola pay-per-view event that takes place at the same venue. 

Lara has campaigned his entire career at or just above the 154 pound super welterweight limit and will be looking to become a two division world champion. 

There has been criticism of LaManna getting a shot at a title but the New Jersey native has taken it all in stride. If he is able to pull off the upset, he will shut a lot of people’s mouths.     

"This is America and America is the land of the opportunities. I am blessed to get the opportunities. A lot of people feel I am undeserving which is completely false. Getting the win is the objective and that is it. I already won by getting the opportunity,” LaManna told BoxingScene.com  

“You only wish and pray for that one call. Anything can happen in any fight and we all as young fighters pray for this opportunity to get this title shot. It means the world to me and winning a world title will cement my own legacy for me. I am sure that there will be a rematch after I win and once I win that I'll go on to bigger and better things." 

Cornflake has won two fights in a row since losing back-to-back fights against Jorge Cota and Brian Mendoza. He was stopped by Cota, however he is still bothered that he didn’t get the nod on the judges scorecards against Mendoza. 

"I know I outboxed Mendoza and made him look silly. He had heart and showed it but I know won that fight,” said LaManna.

Lara will also enter the ring having won two fights in a row after a 2019 draw against Brian Castaño. 

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