In a surprise move, Erislandy Lara will face Thomas ‘Cornflake’ LaManna for the vacant WBA ‘Regular’ middleweight title at the Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California, on May 1.
Lara-LaManna will headline a FOX PBC Fight Night and precede the FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View event headlined by former unified heavyweight world champion Andy Ruiz against Chris Arreola at the same venue.
Cuban southpaw Lara, the WBA Regular 154lbs champion, has hurdled a host of established middleweight contenders to clinch the title shot at a new weight.
“I’m excited to be making my 2021 debut on a huge platform live on FOX,” said Lara. “Thomas LaManna is a tall middleweight with a lot of experience and I’m taking this fight very seriously, like always. I arrived weeks ago for training camp and Ismael Salas immediately got me working on the fundamentals of boxing.
“At this stage in my career, I’m all-action, fighting on the inside, and letting my hands fly. I’m going to make a statement in this fight with a knockout.”
New Jersey’s LaManna (30-4-1, 12 KOs) added: “It’s been a long time coming and now I’m finally getting my chance to accomplish my ultimate dream of becoming a champion. This is the land of opportunity and I’m getting mine on May 1. I’ve put my heart, blood and soul into this game. I’m the definition of the ‘American dream’. People can write me off if they want because at the end of the day, there’s no doubt that I’m coming to win. This is my time.”