Born in Birmingham, Kirby made his professional debut in March 1924 with a win over Billy Burns.

[2] In October 1928 he lost a points decision to former European title challenger Nicolas Petit-Biquet at the Royal Albert Hall, also losing a rematch two months later.

[4][6] He had two further fights later the same month, a win over Young Siki, and a loss by knockout to Frenchman Rene Chalange.

[9] Kirby was stripped of his British title on 6 January 1931 by the British Boxing Board of Control after his licence expired,[10] but had a chance to regain it the following month in his fight against Brown, which the board recognised as a contest for the vacant title;[11] Kirby lost on points to Brown.

[4][12] Kirby made a successful challenge for the Southern Area flyweight title in April 1933, beating Boy Edge on points,[13] but lost it in March 1934 to Tommy Pardoe, who had also beaten him three months earlier in a non-title fight.