tolppola made his professional debut on 10 december 2001, winning a four-round points decision over anton vontszemu. his first opportunity at a regional championship came on 26 november 2004 against michele orlando for the vacant ibf international welterweight title. fighting outside of finland for the first time as a professional, tolppola lost a narrow twelve-round split decision in orlando's native italy. two months later, on 28 january 2005, tolppola went on the road again, losing a ten-round points decision to david barnes in scotland.