26 years ago
Arturo Gatti vs Ivan Robinson II
Date: 12th December 1998
Venue: Trump Taj Mahal, Atlantic City, New Jersey
Title: 10 round non-title lightweight bout
Promoter: Main Events
Tv: HBO Boxing After Dark
Arturo Gatti
(
29
-
3
-
0
)
Weight: 135 lbs
Ivan Robinson
(
26
-
2
-
0
)
Weight: 133¾ lbs
On Saturday, 12th December 1998, Arturo Gatti and Ivan Robinson faced each other in a rematch at the Trump Taj Mahal in Atlantic City, New Jersey. The non-title lightweight bout, promoted by Main Events and refereed by Benjy Esteves Jr., featured Canadian boxer Arturo Gatti with a record of 29-3-0 and American Ivan Robinson with a record of 26-2-0. Gatti weighed in at 135 lbs, while Robinson came in slightly lighter at 133¾ lbs.
The fight, shown live on HBO Boxing After Dark, was a thrilling, hard-fought contest from the opening bell. Gatti, known for his aggressive, all-action style, sought to avenge his previous loss to Robinson earlier in the year. Robinson, hailing from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, aimed to prove his victory in their first encounter was no fluke.
In the fourth round, Gatti sustained a cut in the corner of his left eye, a testament to the intensity and ferocity of the battle. Despite the injury, he continued to press forward, displaying his signature heart and determination. However, Robinson's slick boxing skills and movement enabled him to evade Gatti's most powerful shots and maintain control of the fight.
In the eighth round, Gatti was deducted a point for low blows, further hampering his chances of securing a victory. Nevertheless, both fighters continued to give their all in a back-and-forth slugfest, as the raucous crowd cheered them on.
As the final bell rang, the judges' scorecards revealed a split decision in favor of Ivan Robinson. George Colon scored the bout 95-94, Joseph Pasquale 95-94, and Eugenia Williams 97-92.
Arturo Gatti vs Ivan Robinson 2 on YouTube
