Career
From Bulwell, Nottinghamshire, McPhilbin"s professional career started in 2009. In October 2010 he competed in the Prizefighter tirnament, losing to Michael Sprott in the heavyweight semi-final. He lost the title in his first defence against Enzo Maccarinelli two months later on points, despite putting Maccarinelli down twice.
Maccarinelli was ordered to give McPhilbin an immediate rematch due to timekeeping errors, with round 1 ended 47 seconds early after Maccarinelli had been knocked down, but vacated the title after a doping violation and McPhilbin fought for it again in October against Jon-Lewis Dickinson, losing to a unanimous points verdict.
In January 2013, McPhilbin fought Chris Keane for the vacant Midlands-area cruiserweight title, losing in the third round after being knocked down three times. Three defeats (including a loss to Hughie Fury) and a draw followed before he challenged for the vacant Midlands-area heavyweight title, this time against Paul Butlin, losing after being disqualified in the fourth round for hitting on the break.