[1][2] He made his professional debut in November 1984, a points defeat at the hands of Steve Benny.
His early career was undistinguished, winning only 7 of his first 39 fights, including an unsuccessful challenge for Pat Barrett's BBBofC Central Area light welterweight title.
Two months later he was stopped by Mark Reefer in a challenge for the Commonwealth super featherweight title.
He made a second challenge for the Commonwealth title in December 1991, losing narrowly on points to Paul Harvey.
He beat Frankie Foster in March 1992, but was stopped in six rounds three months later by Michael Ayers.