Armando Martinez’s Knockout Victory at Fists of Fury: Lightweight Champion Stays Undefeated
On Friday, July 25, 2025, the Hard Rock Live at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Florida, roared to life as The Heavyweight Factory presented another explosive edition of its premier boxing showcase: Fists of Fury.
This time, the spotlight was on one of the most promising lightweight fighters in the world, Armando Martinez Rabi, a Cuban knockout machine ranked in the WBA’s top five. In the night’s main event, Martinez put his WBA Continental Americas Gold Lightweight Title on the line against Albeiro Paredes, an undefeated Colombian brawler with serious power of his own.
Fans came expecting fireworks, and Armando Martinez delivered with a vicious second-round knockout that left no doubt about who owns the lightweight spotlight.
The Stage Was Set for a War
The pre-fight build-up had all the makings of a classic. Two undefeated fighters. Nearly 30 combined knockouts. High stakes. And a raucous Florida crowd ready to witness something special.
-
Armando Martinez Rabi: 15-0, 14 KOs
-
Albeiro Paredes: 14-0, 12 KOs
-
Division: Lightweight (135 lbs)
-
Title at Stake: WBA Continental Americas Gold Lightweight Championship
Fighting out of Miami by way of Havana, Martinez had already built a reputation for delivering violent knockouts. His third-round stoppage of Alberto Guevara in April made headlines, and fans were eager to see what he’d do next. Paredes, a former Colombian national champion, brought his own buzz. Known for aggressive pressure and heavy hands, he was seen as the toughest test of Martinez’s career.
Round 1
From the opening bell, both fighters showed mutual respect. Paredes opened with a jab, trying to test Martinez’s guard. He landed a body shot that drew a murmur from the crowd, but Martinez remained unfazed. Calm, collected, and focused, the Cuban champion stayed behind his jab and started landing sharp counters.
Midway through the round, Martinez clipped Paredes with a crisp right hand that got the crowd roaring. It was clear that while Paredes came to fight, Martinez came to finish. His ring IQ and timing gave him the early edge in a tactical but tense first round.
Round 2
Seconds into Round 2, the energy shifted. Martinez, now fully dialed in, stopped waiting. He took center ring and turned up the heat. Then came the moment that stole the night:
At 1:09 of Round 2, Martinez landed a thunderous left hook, followed by a devastating right cross. The combination was picture-perfect, and Paredes dropped like a stone. The Florida crowd exploded.
The referee began the count, but it was clear, Paredes wasn’t getting up. With that, Armando Martinez improved to 16-0 (15 KOs) and retained his title in spectacular fashion.
Official Result
✅ Armando Martinez defeats Albeiro Paredes
✅ Knockout at 1:09 of Round 2
✅ Still WBA Continental Americas Gold Lightweight Champion
✅ Record: 16-0 (15 KOs)
Post-Fight Reactions
Speaking in the ring after his victory, Martinez shared insight into his game plan:
“It was a long camp, so I studied for the match well. The first round was about observation. In the second, it was knockout time. Next, I want a championship fight against the biggest names in my division.”
The crowd’s response was electric. Chants of “Martinez! Martinez!” echoed throughout the arena. It was clear: fans in Florida are ready to see him take the next step.
Special Guests and Star Power
Adding to the excitement was the presence of WBA Regular Welterweight Champion Rolando “Rolly” Romero, who sat ringside just weeks after his big win over Ryan Garcia. His appearance added even more heat to an already buzzing venue and hinted at the kind of big-league attraction The Heavyweight Factory continues to build through events like Fists of Fury.
Fists of Fury Highlights: What You Missed
-
Main Event: Armando Martinez Rabi vs. Albeiro Paredes
-
Result: KO, Round 2 (1:09)
-
Title Status: Martinez retains the WBA Continental Americas Gold Lightweight Title
-
Record Update: Martinez improves to 16-0 with 15 KOs
-
Fight of the Night: Undeniably, the Martinez vs. Paredes showdown
What’s Next for Armando Martinez?
With this win, the path to a world title shot looks clearer than ever. Martinez has made it known he wants bigger names, higher rankings, and the belts that come with them.
He may target a WBA title eliminator next, or call out other top-10 contenders to force a mandatory shot. One thing is certain: his next opponent better come prepared.
Relive the Action
Missed the fight? Don’t worry, The Heavyweight Factory has you covered. Watch the full Fists of Fury highlights, including Martinez’s knockout, on our official website or follow us on social media for exclusive video, interviews, and future fight announcements.
