Brandon Colantonio fights for the WBC USA Bridgerweight title on Nov. 8, marking B.C.’s first-ever WBC bout. Can the hometown hero make history?
A Historic Night Awaits at Bay Street Armoury
The Bay Street Armoury has seen parades, ceremonies, and even wartime drills—but on November 8, it’s set to host something brand new: British Columbia’s first-ever World Boxing Council (WBC) title fight.
Local fighter Brandon Colantonio of Saanich will step into the ring with one goal—to make history. With a 5-1 professional record, Colantonio is ready to take on Jaye Byard (8-4) for the WBC USA Bridgerweight Championship, and he’s doing it right in front of his hometown crowd.
“I’m Stoked to Bring the Belt Home”
For Colantonio, this isn’t just another fight—it’s a defining moment.
“I’m just stoked to get my belt and have a great performance in front of my hometown fans,” he said with a grin.
He’s entering the biggest fight of his career full of confidence, thanks to a knockout victory earlier this year against southpaw James Sears. That win, he believes, prepared him perfectly for Byard, who also fights left-handed.
“It’s cool that I got another southpaw before this,” Colantonio explained. “My plan is simple—make him miss, make him pay, and always be moving.”
Facing a Heavy Hitter
Byard, the reigning CPBC Classic Heavyweight Champion, brings both experience and power to the ring. Still, Colantonio believes he’s got the edge.
“I know he’s got power, but my strengths are my reach, stamina, and pace,” he said. “I get better as the rounds go on. He’s never fought a guy like me—someone who knows how to box and has real experience.”
He’s not just chasing a win—he’s chasing recognition. “I’m here to take that ranking and put my name up there,” he added.
Fighting for More Than Himself
For the 29-year-old Saanich native, this fight means more than just a title—it’s about representing his community.
“My father-in-law’s flying in from Winnipeg. Everyone in Victoria wants me to bring that belt home,” Colantonio said. “I’m carrying the city’s pride with me.”
From MMA Roots to Boxing Glory
Colantonio’s journey started as a teenager dabbling in MMA before he found his true love in boxing.
“I fell in love with it,” he said. “I’m a history guy. I’ve watched every era—Lennox Lewis, the Klitschkos—all of them inspired me.”
He’s trained under Jason Heit at Island Boxing, who’s not only his coach but also runs Champ Productions, the event’s promoter.
“Jason’s the best coach you could ask for,” Colantonio said. “He teaches you how to make a guy miss, make him pay, and still wake up the next day without a headache.”
The Main Event
The action kicks off at 3 p.m. with undercard fights before the main event at 7 p.m. Alongside Colantonio’s title bout, Jessica Camara of Montreal faces Lenka Volejnikova from the Czech Republic, while Dashon Johnson squares off with Stephan Fonjo.
But for Colantonio, there’s only one thing that matters:
“I can’t wait to win that belt in front of my city,” he said. “I’ve trained so hard and so long for this moment.”
Summary:
A local fighter, a historic venue, and a shot at glory—on November 8, Brandon Colantonio isn’t just stepping into a ring; he’s stepping into B.C. sports history.
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