He boxed his first professional fight in San Jose, California, winning the bout against Fred Simmons, by unanimous decision.
That same year May's promoter Wilfried Sauerland secured him a world championship fight with WBO title holder Johnny Nelson.
[2] In April 2005 May fought Poland's Krzysztof Wlodarczyk for the vacated EBU-EU (European Union) cruiserweight title but was beaten by knockout in the tenth round.
Due to an alleged lack of prospects in professional boxing, May's promoter Sauerland arranged a better matched duel for May against the emerging and then still undefeated Marco Huck.
After two more victories he was handed another world championship fight, this time against WBC International cruiserweight title holder Herbie Hide in March 2008.