Early marched on to thirteen consecutive wins in three years, in November 1979 Early suffered his first professional defeat to Roger Guest in a BBBoC Midlands area Light Welterweight title bout.
After the loss to Guest, Early bounced back to another 7 consecutive wins, including experienced fighters like Billy Waith with 94 bouts.
In 1981, Early stepped into the ring for a final eliminator contest for the BBBoC British light-welterweight title, with one of the most talented fighters of his era, Ken Buchanan.
After an exciting 3 rounds, McKenzie had put on the pressure and Early was saved by the referee in the fourth as in his opinion Earley was in no fit state to continue.
Yet again, over the next year, Early put another four wins and eventually retired after being defeated by Gary Night in London.