His first professional fight was against Matt Ward on March 9, 1949, held at Westchester County Center in White Plains, New York, which he lost. He fought Emerson Charles on March 23 with Emerson Charles also at Westerchester County Center. He fought Bobby Holt at Manhattan Center on April 6, 1949.
His first professional boxing match was against Matt Ward on March 9, 1949, in White Plains, New York, at the Westchester County Center. He lost that fight.  He then fought Emerson Charles on March 23rd at the same venue. His next bout was against Bobby Holt at Manhattan Center on April 6, 1949.