The Bay Street Armoury has seen its fair share of history since opening its doors more than a century ago, but on Saturday, Nov. 8, the historic building will add a new chapter to its story.
The Victoria venue will host the first-ever World Boxing Council (WBC) title fight in British Columbia history.
Saanich’s Brandon Colantonio (5-1) will step into the ring that night, taking on Jaye Byard (8-4) for the WBC USA Bridgerweight Championship.
For the 29-year-old Saanich native, it’s a chance to make history on home soil.
“For me, it’s awesome,” Colantonio said. “I’m just stoked to get my belt and have a great performance in front of my hometown fans.”
The matchup marks the biggest moment yet in Colantonio’s growing professional career.
Sitting at 5-1, he’s coming off a confident win earlier this year where he knocked out southpaw opponent, James Sears.
That will prove to be a valuable tune-up for Colantonio, as Byard also fights left-handed.
“It’s actually pretty cool that I got to fight another southpaw before this,” Colantonio said. “My coach was a southpaw for years, so I’ve always trained to fight both ways. My plan is simple, make him miss, make him pay, and always be moving.”
Byard, an experienced veteran and reigning CPBC Classic Heavyweight Champion, brings an 8-4 record and plenty of power into the bout. Colantonio said he’s expecting a tough, durable opponent, but one he believes he can wear down over the rounds.
“I know he’s got power, but my strengths are my reach, my stamina, and my pace,” Colantonio 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. I’m here to take that ranking and put my name up there.”
Beyond the ring, Colantonio is relishing the chance to fight in front of family and friends.
“My father-in-law’s coming out from Winnipeg,” he said. “The community’s really embraced me. Everyone wants me to get this done for Victoria. I’m carrying the city’s pride with me.”
Born and raised in Saanich, Colantonio first got into combat sports as a teenager.
He initially trained for MMA, but soon found his passion squarely in boxing.
“I fell in love with it,” he said. “I’m a history guy, I’ll watch every boxing era there is. Lennox Lewis, the Ukrainian guys, all of them have influenced me.”
He’s spent much of his career under the guidance of Island Boxing’s Jason Heit, who’s also behind Champ Productions, the promotion organizing the event.
“Jason’s the best coach you could ask for,” Colantonio said. “He’s been there, he knows what to do and what not to do. He teaches you how to make a guy miss and make a guy pay, and to wake up the next day without a headache.”
Undercard bouts begin at 3 p.m. before the main card gets underway at 7 p.m.
Along with the WBC title fight, Montreal’s Jessica Camara will face Lenka Volejnikova of the Czech Republic, while Dashon Johnson goes up against Stephan Fonjo.
For Colantonio, it’s not just another fight night.
“I can’t wait to win that belt in front of my city,” he said. “I’ve been training so hard, and so long for a moment like this.”