Robinson had been a lightweight and Junior Welterweight contender. He has been in several notable bouts, particularly his first victory over Arturo Gatti, a fight that was voted Fight of the Year by Ring magazine. Other notable bouts include his second bout with Gatti, (which he also won), and his 12 round whirlwind bout with then lightweight champion Phillip Holiday. Robinson fought on May 28, 2005, when he lost a 10-round unanimous decision to Julio César Chávez at Staples Center in Los Angeles.