Jermall Charlo may not have fought in over a year, but the former two-division champion wasn’t lacking any confidence at Thursday’s press conference.
In the last public event before their weigh-in, the 35-year-old Charlo sent a warning to Thomas “Cornflake” LaManna.
“If he makes the wrong move, makes a miscalculation, or gets just a little too close, then I’m gonna knock his ass clean out,” said Charlo, 33-0 (22 KOs).
LaManna, 39-5-1 (18 KOs), of Millville, New Jersey knows he’s coming into Las Vegas as a significant underdog, but also understands what hangs in the balance. While the 33-year-old fought once for a world title, losing by first round knockout to Erislandy Lara, a win over a fighter who has held titles at 154lbs and 160lbs can redeem himself and make him a player at 168lbs.
“This is my last opportunity at greatness. It’s been a long journey for me and now I get to test my skills against a two-division world champion. Come Saturday night, we’re gonna shock the world,” said LaManna.
“I know the show is based around Caleb and Jermall, but I’m here to do my part. I’m gonna upset the apple cart. Let’s let these fights happen.”
Charlo of Houston will have Hylon Williams Snr plus former world champion Joan Guzman in his corner. He says returning to Las Vegas for the fight at Michelob ULTRA Arena is like returning home, given that he fought his last fight there in 2023, a unanimous decision win over Jose Benavidez Jnr in November of 2023.
“Las Vegas is like a second home to me. I’ve got a lot of friends and family here and I’m happy to be back. There’s no other place like Las Vegas,” said Charlo.
LaManna, who has been one of the most consistent local draws in the Atlantic City area since turning pro in 2011, is relishing the opportunity to fight in Las Vegas for the first time.
“Every fighter when you turn pro wants to fight in Las Vegas. Seeing my picture on the billboards is an honor. It means everything to me,” said LaManna.
“I’m real locked in. I know what I’m up against, so I had to train my ass off. I’ve been training like that for six months.”
Charlo acknowledged how big this fight is for LaManna, while stating that this fight means a lot to him as well.
“I don’t know if he’s trying to intimidate me. I wouldn’t expect nothing less than for him to be locked in. He knows who he’s up against,” said Charlo.
“I’m moving up to 168 because the competition is better. I’m not overlooking LaManna, but there are other fighters I can face in this division that would solidify my legacy. But right now I’m focused on getting wins and getting to the next level.”