In 1990 he challenged for the vacant IBF super-middleweight title against Frank Tate, winning a decision and the belt. He defended the belt three times before losing it to Darrin Van Horn by TKO in eleven rounds.
In 1990, he stepped up to challenge Frank Tate for the vacant IBF super-middleweight championship, ultimately winning by a unanimous decision and claiming the title. He then successfully defended his belt three times before losing it to Darrin Van Horn's TKO victory in an intense eleven-round fight.