Born in Bradford, Doherty made his professional debut in May 1982, losing by first round stoppage to Taffy Mills.
Two months later he lost again (to Stuart Carmichael) but then put together an 11-fight unbeaten run which included a win over Steve Pollard to take the BBBofC Central Area featherweight title.
[4] In March 1989 Doherty challenged for Racheed Lawal's European title in Braedstrup, Denmark, losing by fourth round knockout.
In September he regained the British title, stopping defending champion Floyd Havard in the penultimate round of 12 at Afan Lido.
He lost the title for a third time in April 1992, Michael Armstrong stopping him in the seventh round, in what proved to be Doherty's final fight.