Thomas LaManna Poised to Impress in his Pro Debut

By Eugene Sirota

With just hours remaining until he steps into the ring for the first time as a professional, it would be understandable for Millville, NJ's Thomas LaManna to have a few butterflies in his stomach. However, as I interviewed the high school senior over a tray of his mother's homemade baked ziti just after he weighed in at Bally's, he spoke with the confidence of a veteran who's been down this road before.

Self-assured without being cocky, LaManna speaks with maturity well beyond his nineteen years. Although the man he's facing, Anthony Williams (0-2 of Wilson, NC), hasn't fared too well in his pro career to this point, Thomas isn't taking his opponent lightly. "I have prepared for this fight by sparring with the best guys around" LaManna said of his work at the Atlantic City PAL with Shamone Alvarez, Patrick Majewski, Osnel Charles, and Decarlo Perez.

With this fight happening in his own backyard (he's expecting close to 300 friends and family to be in attendance), many distractions are bound to pop up. However, LaManna has not allowed to his focus to be derailed. "Everyday its: school, gym, home." Thomas said of his regimen, "That's it, and I never take a day off, not even Super Bowl Sunday."

The man responsible for handling all those distractions outside the ring (as well as working his fighter's corner) is none other than Thomas' father Vincent. Many of this site's readers probably know Vinny LaManna from his days as a promoter in the 90's. In addition to having over fifty fights under his belt as a promoter, the elder LaManna has managed Ray Mercer, Bert Cooper and Michael Covington.

Guiding your own flesh and blood though the toughest business there is no enviable task, but Vinny LaManna is defiantly up to it. Not only does he have an abundance of experience to draw on, he has also has the help of trainer Hassan Hammed-El and cut-man Joey Eye.

Speaking with father and son, the bond between the two was clear, but don't expect Vinny to baby his son. "He doesn't get any special treatment" said Vinny "I look after all my fighters like they my kids anyway."

Thomas LaManna's fight is scheduled for four rounds in the junior welterweight division.

Other local fighters in action:
Atlantic City's John "The Eastern Beast" Brown (24-18, 11 KO) takes on 2000 Olympic Silver Medalist Ricardo Williams (16-2, 9 KO).

Promoted by Goossen Tutor Promotions and sponsored by Corona, tickets are priced at $75 and $50 may be purchased at www.ticketmaster.com, Ticketmaster retail outlets, Ticketmaster Call Center 800-745-3000 and Bally's Atlantic City (day of event).

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