Few questioned Thomas LaManna’s talent, but his willingness to put it all together and remain locked in? That was unanswerable.

In 2020, LaManna (39-5-1, 18 KOs) hit what he believed was rock bottom. Back-to-back losses to Jorge Cota and Brian Mendoza were tough to deal with, before reaching an all-new low in the following year.

LaManna's ring walk against Erislandy Lara in May 2021 was longer than the actual fight, as he was knocked out in the first round.

Rebuilding was painful and humbling, but it was also needed. Now, with nine consecutive wins, LaManna feels like a new man.

The level of opposition wasn’t exactly impressive, but he got a chance to remain active and relevant. But ultimately, boxing won’t allow anyone to go too long without being tested. Next weekend, the 33-year-old faces former two-division champion Jermall Charlo on May 31 in Las Vegas, televised on Amazon Prime.

If this were a few years ago, LaManna would be having sleepless nights. But things are different now. He isn’t unnerved over what could go wrong. With all of the work he’s put in physically and mentally, he knows that there’s a huge difference between the fighter he was a few years ago, and who he is now.

"Up until that point when I fought Lara, I didn’t have the confidence that I have in myself now," LaManna said to YSM Sports Media.

While LaManna was busy getting his mental right, Charlo (33-0, 22 KOs) was attempting to do the same. He’s drowned over the last few years in personal demons. Similar to LaManna, he believes that’s now a thing of the past.

A win for Charlo would push his career in the right direction, but a loss wouldn’t be the end of the world. LaManna, on the other hand, knows this is do-or-die. If things don’t go his way, there won’t be any second chances or pats on the back. No, a loss would truly signal the end of the road.

“I know for a fact that this is my last opportunity, my last run.”