Donofrio Returns to Boxing with ‘Winter Warfare’ on January 6

Promoter Joseph Donofrio of Donofrio Entertainment (in association with Palace Sports and Jackie Kallen), who has found fame as the premier promoter of mixed martial arts in Michigan, will return to his roots and put on a boxing show entitled “Winter Warfare” at the fabulous Palace of Auburn Hills on January 6.

In the welterweight main event, hard-punching Palace favorite Lanardo “Pain Server” Tyner (25-5-2, 15 KOs) will go 10 rounds or less against an opponent that is TBA.

Even at 36 years old, Detroit’s Tyner is still a handful for any world-class opponent and is still capable of pulling off the occasional upset. He has gone the distance with world champions Lamont Peterson and Saul Alvarez, beaten former world champion Vivian Harris and stopped well-respected prospect Antwone Smith last year.

In the first co-main event, Waterford, Michigan welterweight “Pistol” Pete Cantu (16-7-1, 10 KOs) is scheduled for six rounds, in what he vows is his final fight, against long-time rival Garvin “Chico” Crout of Ypsilanti, Michigan.

Cantu and Crout fought in 2007, but their meeting was ruled a TKO 1 for Cantu when Crout injured himself early on and couldn’t continue. Crout hasn’t fought since their first meeting, but vows a different outcome this time.

The second featured bout will pit Oak Park, Michigan’s all-action Sidney Gurley (5-2, 4 KOs) in a six-round middleweight rematch against tough and undefeated Ramon Valenzuela Jr. (6-0, 1 KO).

Valenzuela scored a thrilling majority decision victory over Gurley last October in his hometown of Chicago and Gurley is hungry for revenge.

Also scheduled is the pro debut of promising Detroit heavyweight Juan Goode. The 5′ 11″ and 220-lb Goode had an amateur record of 38-8 and was ranked fourth in the country. His opponent is TBA.

Other match-ups to be announced shortly.

Tickets for the “Winter Warfare” are available at The Palace of Auburn Hills Box Office, palacenet.com, all TicketMaster outlets or via charge by phone at 248-645-6666.

Doors open at 6:30 pm and fights start at 7:30.

All bouts subject to change.