[1] The same year he scored a victory over future professional world champion Joey Gamache in a USA-Venezuela duel meet.

Still in 1986 he turned professional, and after a successful career start he was named Ring Magazine Prospect of the Year in 1987.

This award existed between 1983 and 1988, and among others it was issued to future world champions Mark Breland, Mike Tyson and Michael Moorer.

After going 7-1 in his next eight bouts, he was matched up against Young Dick Tiger for the IBF intercontinental welterweight title, and won by a third round TKO.

He fought on for various minor titles, but came up short all times, including a seventh round TKO loss against future world champion Bronco McKart in 1994.