[1] He worked as a porter at Spitalfields Market, and turned professional at the age of 19, training under Danny Holland at the Thomas a' Beckett gym on the Old Kent Road.
By late 1965 he had built up a record of 41 wins from 49 fights, two of his five losses coming at the hands of Maurice Cullen.
[1] In November 1965 he challenged for Cullen's British lightweight title, losing on points at the Wolverhampton Civic Hall.
[1] In July 1966 he beat Phil Lundgren to take the BBBofC Central Area lightweight title.
[1] In February 1968 he faced Des Rea for the newly created British junior welterweight title, again losing on points.