The end of an era is near for Thomas “Cornflake” LaManna, who plans to retire from professional boxing after an impressive 14-year journey. On December 6, at a much-anticipated event in Atlantic City’s Bally’s Resort, this 33-year-old Millville, New Jersey native will step into the ring one last time. His opponent? None other than Juan "The Beast" Rodriguez Jnr, another cherished fighter from New Jersey. This ten-round middleweight bout is not just any fight—it's the perfect stage for LaManna to bid farewell to the sport he loves.
LaManna, holding a record of 39 wins, 6 losses, and 1 draw with 18 knockouts, will be fighting under the banner of his own Rising Star Promotions, which he plans to continue managing even after retiring from active competition. Returning to the very venue where his pro career began with a stunning 51-second knockout against Anthony Williams back in 2011 adds a poetic touch to his retirement fight.
But here’s where it gets controversial: some wonder if LaManna’s final matchup truly tests his legacy. Meanwhile, a separate buzz surrounds Jaron "Boots" Ennis, who is stepping into a new weight division this weekend. Should Ennis have gone for a more challenging opponent than Uisma Lima as he climbs to 154 pounds? Boxing expert Robert Garcia weighs in on the strategy of pacing a fighter’s competition, questioning if Ennis should be aiming higher, perhaps against names like Vergil Ortiz.
Reflecting on his career, LaManna shares heartfelt words: “I’ve been fortunate to experience many highs and special moments. Ending my career on my own terms means the world to me. I am genuinely thrilled to share the ring one last time with Juan. Fans have been eager for this matchup since we both turned professional simultaneously. This fight marks the closing chapter of a remarkable journey where I truly lived out my boxing dream.” LaManna is returning after a tough sixth-round stoppage to Jermall Charlo this past May, aiming to leave the sport on a high note.
On the other side, 39-year-old southpaw Juan Rodriguez from Union City, New Jersey, has rich amateur credentials, including a bronze medal at the 2009 National Golden Gloves. His early professional career promised much, entering with an 11-0 record. However, since 2014, Rodriguez faced challenges and often served as a test for emerging talents, such as Brian Norman Jnr, who knocked him out in the first round in 2020. Nonetheless, Rodriguez's career highlight came in 2016 with a split decision victory over Alex "The Brick City Bullet" Perez in a fierce New Jersey rivalry bout.
Having stayed away from the sport for almost four years, Rodriguez recently returned with a bang by stopping Freddy Lopez in two rounds in Mexico. His goal was initially just to regain fitness after packing on weight during his time away as a truck driver, reaching 210 pounds. However, when LaManna extended the invitation to fight, it sparked renewed motivation and dedication in his training.
Rodriguez candidly admits, “It’s tough that it’s Tommy I’m facing, as I hold him in high regard. He gave me fights on some of his cards, and I’ve always performed well. I’m truly honored to be chosen as his final opponent. This fight has been long awaited, and we’re both ready to give the fans a real battle. It means a lot personally too—as it might be my last chance to prove myself in boxing or the moment I decide to step away. Honestly, I don’t feel my age; I still believe I have what it takes.” He trains under Guillermo “Lucky” Sanabria at Ringside Boxing Gym in Jersey City.
The event promises excitement beyond the headline, featuring a ten-round junior featherweight clash between Danny Barrios, boasting a 17-1 record with 6 KOs, and Elon Dejesus, who holds an 11-1-2 record with 8 KOs. Rising prospects Thomas Blumenfeld (10-0, 9 KOs), Ofacio Falcon (13-0, 7 KOs), Kahshad Elliot (6-0, 5 KOs), and Lisandra Contreras (2-0) are also set to light up the card, ensuring plenty of action for boxing fans.
So, what do you think? Is LaManna’s farewell fight the perfect ending, or should he have taken on a different challenge? And regarding Jaron Ennis, does playing it safe make sense when climbing weight classes, or should fighters always seek out the toughest competition? Share your thoughts—do these decisions honor the spirit of boxing, or do they fall short? The ring of debate is open.
