[5] [6] After consideration of his application for a professional licence was deferred from December 1946 until three months later, causing the cancellation of his planned debut fight,[1] he started his pro career in the United States in April 1947 with a points win over Ben Melendez.
In August 1948 he beat George Daly on points at Selhurst Park and again in July 1949 at the same venue, this time stopping him in the sixth round, to take the British South Eastern Area Lightweight Title.
[9] McGovern closed the year with a points win over Tommy Barnham to take the vacant BBBofC Southern Area lightweight title.
[12] A month later he lost to Hocine Khalfi,[13] and in June beat Cliff Anderson in a final eliminator for the British Empire title.
[14] In January 1953 he faced Joe Lucy in a final eliminator for the British title, but lost on points, a decision that reportedly led him consider writing to his MP to challenge.