James Tillis (born July 5, 1957) is a retired American professional boxer and actor. Known as "Quick", he was known for his fast hand speed, quite astonishing for a man of his size and build. A natural southpaw, Tillis turned around to orthodox midway in his amateur career. His left remained the stronger hand and for that reason, he had a powerful jab and left hook, together with the ability to switch stances while fighting. Tillis challenged for the WBA world heavyweight title in 1981, but was defeated in a fifteen round unanimous decision fight against Mike Weaver. Tillis was the first man to go the distance with

Mike Tyson Michael Gerard Tyson (born June 30, 1966) is an American former professional boxer who competed from 1985 to 2005. Nicknamed "Iron Mike" and "Kid Dynamite" in his early career, and later known as "The Baddest Man on the Planet", Tyson is con ...

in 1986, breaking his knockout-streak and giving him a relatively close fight, nearly a

draw Draw, drawing, draws, or drawn may refer to: Common uses * Draw (terrain), a terrain feature formed by two parallel ridges or spurs with low ground in between them * Drawing (manufacturing), a process where metal, glass, or plastic or anything ...

, with two of three judges scoring the fight . (in the words of ''Hall of Fame's'' Gil Clancy, Tillis was "one punch" away from victory.SportsNight
''

Satellite News Channel Satellite News Channel (SNC) was an American short-lived news-based cable television channel that was operated as a joint venture between the ABC Video Enterprises division of American Broadcasting Companies, Inc. (a.k.a. ABC) and the Group ...

'', June 1988.) He holds notable wins over

Ron Stander Ron Stander (October 17, 1944 – March 8, 2022) was an American professional boxer, who fought from 1969 to 1982. The highlight of Stander's pro career came on May 25, 1972 when he challenged for the world heavyweight championship in Omaha, Neb ...

by TKO in the 7th round in 1980, and the hard punching

Earnie Shavers Earnie Dee Shaver (August 31, 1944 – September 1, 2022), best known as Earnie Shavers, was an American professional boxer who competed between 1969 and 1995. A two-time world heavyweight championship challenger, he is known as one of the harde ...

by ten-round decision in 1982. Tillis fought for the last time in 2001 at the age of 44.

Early years

A native of

Tulsa, Oklahoma Tulsa () is the second-largest city in the state of Oklahoma and 47th-most populous city in the United States. The population was 413,066 as of the 2020 census. It is the principal municipality of the Tulsa Metropolitan Area, a region wit ...

, he was the firstborn son of James Tillis and wife Rose. Tillis attended Mclain High School and grew up in a very religious southern family, with an alcoholic father and a deeply religious mother. His mother would later join First Baptist Mohawk Church under the leadership of Pastor Clint Simmons. He dreamed about being a professional prize fighter and was given the nickname "Quick" by his first cousin Keith Reed.

Amateur career

"Quick" was influenced to begin training to become a boxer after he listened to the 1964 bout between

Muhammad Ali Muhammad Ali (; born Cassius Marcellus Clay Jr.; January 17, 1942 – June 3, 2016) was an American professional boxer and activist. Nicknamed "The Greatest", he is regarded as one of the most significant sports figures of the 20th century, ...

and

Sonny Liston Charles L. "Sonny" Liston ( 1930 – December 30, 1970) was an American professional boxer who competed from 1953 to 1970. A dominant contender of his era, he became the world heavyweight champion in 1962 after knocking out Floyd Patterson ...

on the radio. He enlisted the help of noted trainer Ed Duncan, by becoming involved in the sport at the O'Brien Park recreation center in north Tulsa. Tillis' amateur record of 92–8 led to his being considered for the United States Olympic team. Due to an illness, he was unable to compete in the Olympic trials. However, his impressive amateur career included three state Golden Gloves and four state AAU titles. He lost to future pro opponent Greg Page at the 1976

National Golden Gloves The Golden Gloves is the name given to annual competitions for amateur boxing in the United States, where they are awarded a belt and a ring. And the title of nations champion is awarded. The Golden Gloves is a term used to refer to the Nationa ...

, and to Charles Singleton at the 1978 National Golden Gloves in

Albuquerque, New Mexico Albuquerque ( ; ), ; kee, Arawageeki; tow, Vakêêke; zun, Alo:ke:k'ya; apj, Gołgéeki'yé. abbreviated ABQ, is the most populous city in the U.S. state of New Mexico. Its nicknames, The Duke City and Burque, both reference its founding i ...

. At the 1977 USA–USSR Duals in

Milwaukee, Wisconsin Milwaukee ( ), officially the City of Milwaukee, is both the most populous and most densely populated city in the U.S. state of Wisconsin and the county seat of Milwaukee County. With a population of 577,222 at the 2020 census, Milwaukee i ...

, he lost on points to the Soviet light heavyweight

David Kvachadze David Kvachadze (born 25 December 1951) is a Georgian boxer. He competed in the men's light heavyweight event at the 1980 Summer Olympics The 1980 Summer Olympics (russian: Летние Олимпийские игры 1980, Letniye Olimpi ...

. He also managed to beat future pro contender Renaldo Snipes, who he later turned pro with on the same card in 1978.

Professional career

Tillis began his professional boxing career in 1978, with a first-round knockout of Ron Stephany. He won his first 20 fights with 16 knockouts. One of his most impressive early victories was a seventh-round knockout of

in 1980. Stander had once challenged

Joe Frazier Joseph William Frazier (January 12, 1944November 7, 2011), nicknamed "Smokin' Joe", was an American professional boxer who competed from 1965 to 1981. He was known for his strength, durability, formidable left hand, and relentless pressure f ...

for the world title and was regarded as one of boxing's most durable fighters. Other notable wins included a knockout of the South American champion Domingo D'Elia, and a points win over the sometimes dangerous fringe contender Mike Koranicki. His co-managers were Beau Williford and Gary Bentley.

Title fight

In 1981, Tillis fought "Hercules" Mike Weaver for the WBA World Heavyweight title. After a strong start, Tillis tired. The fight would become famous for trainer

Angelo Dundee Angelo is an Italian masculine given name and surname meaning "angel", or "messenger". People People with the given name * Angelo Accattino (born 1966), Italian prelate of the Catholic Church * Angelo Acciaioli (bishop) (1298–1357), Italian ...

imploring Tillis to do something, asking the fighter, "Do you want to be a bum all your life?" Ultimately, Tillis lost a close points decision. In June 1982, Tillis came off the floor to outpoint the hard-hitting legend

. He blew that momentum only a few months later, being upset by late substitute (and future world champion)

Pinklon Thomas Pinklon Thomas (born February 10, 1958) is an American former professional boxer who competed from 1978 to 1993. He was boxing's first 'Centennial Champion' (1886-1986), and held the WBC heavyweight title from 1984 to 1986, along with being th ...

. In November 1982, Tillis fought former amateur rival Greg Page for the USBA Heavyweight title. He knocked Page down, but again tired and was the victim of an eighth-round knockout loss. Page would go on to win the world title.

Downward spiral

Having scored four wins, Tillis challenged future two-time world champion

Tim Witherspoon Tim Witherspoon (born December 27, 1957) is an American former professional boxer who competed from 1979 to 2003. He was a two-time world heavyweight champion, having held the WBC title in 1984, and the WBA title in 1986. Witherspoon also wo ...

in September 1983, for the vacant North American Boxing Federation title. Tillis was shockingly bombed out in one round, apparently slipping on a wet spot in the ring as Witherspoon hit him. After the fight, Tillis' trainer

left him and advised him to retire, as he had just suffered his third defeat in thirteen months. Tillis got a new team and put together four wins in 1984, before challenging Carl Williams in a world title eliminator. Having decked Williams twice in the opening round, Tillis tired and was outpointed. In 1985, under the guidance of trainer

Drew Bundini Brown Drew may refer to: __NOTOC__ Places ;In the United States * Drew, Georgia, an unincorporated community * Drew, Mississippi, a city * Drew, Missouri, an unincorporated community * Drew, Oregon, an unincorporated community * Drew County, Arkansas ...

, he fought Joe Frazier's son and top contender

Marvis Frazier Marvis Frazier (born September 12, 1960) is an American former professional boxer who fought in the heavyweight division. Early life Marvis is the son of former heavyweight champion and Hall of Famer, Joe Frazier. Marvis was at ringside for all o ...

. In a recurring theme, he had Frazier down in the second round, but again ran out of gas and was outpointed. A few months later, he traveled to South Africa to fight hard-hitting ex-champ

Gerrie Coetzee Gerhardus Christian Coetzee (born 8 April 1955) is a South African former professional boxer who competed from 1974 to 1986, and in 1993 and 1997. He was the first African ever to fight for, and win, a world heavyweight championship, having hel ...

. Tillis lost a unanimous decision, but sent Coetzee to hospital with stitches and missing teeth.

Stamina issue

After extensive medical examination, Tillis' strange recurrent fatigue midway through fights was found to derive from a severe allergy to the classic fighter's diet of milk and eggs. A doctor provided Tillis with a more suitable diet, in the training for his upcoming fight with

, a red-hot prospect with a 19–0 (19 knockouts) record. Tillis appeared to be a new man, as he exchanged with Tyson and gave the future two-time champion a very tough fight. Although ultimately outpointed, he was the first person ever to take Iron Mike to the distance. Surprisingly, Tillis' heart and will to fight has been questioned quite frequently by boxing analysts, even his co-manager Beau Williford told to the press the night before the fight considering that James was on a three-times-in-a-row losing streak, that his professional career as a boxer would be ended most likely if stopped by Tyson. Trainer

, who worked with Tillis for the Weaver fight and some subsequent fights, finally gave up his job, he said: "James had no spirit to fight." In the pre-fight interview he told the ESPN staff that he found that spirit. To prove Dundee was wrong, Tillis violated almost all the Dundee "No-Nos" in the Tyson fight:1986-05-03 Mike Tyson – James Tillis

ESPN Classic ESPN Classic was an American multinational pay television network owned by ESPN Inc., a joint venture between The Walt Disney Company (which owns a controlling 80% stake) and Hearst Communications (which owns 20%). The channel was originally la ...

. * Fought out of the squared-up stance, instead of the closed sideway stance. * Sometimes fought with both hands down. * Switched to southpaw and back to orthodox. * Lead with his right hand. * "Left-hooked with a hooker." * Got tangled in wild exchanges. Culminative moment of the fight came at 2:45 of the fourth round, when Tillis charged at Tyson with a leaping left hook, missed, and went off-balanced while pivoting on his left foot. Tyson slipped the punch and promptly switched to orthodox, throwing a leaping left hook of his own that landed right to the Tillis' chin, Tillis went down immediately. Tillis got up quickly at the count of "Two." That was the only knockdown during the entire fight, it cost Tillis a point, and subsequently a round on all the three judges' scorecards, and eventually the fight, which otherwise would have been ended a draw. Initially, the crowd was rooting for Tyson, but in the later rounds it turned somewhat against Tyson due to him being unable to knock Tillis out, and after the ring announcer Paul LeFlore announced the judges' decision, pronouncing Tyson as the winner by a unanimous decision, the crowd booed wildly when referee

Joe Cortez Joe Cortez (born October 13, 1945) is an American former boxing referee who has officiated in many important world title bouts. He was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2011. Biography Cortez is of Puerto Rican descent. H ...

raised Tyson's hand. Being interviewed by the ABC Sports Network staff, Tyson himself said he just "fought a guy who was up for this fight, in the greatest shape in his life." The new Tillis was short-lived, however, as he traveled to Australia and lost a decision to veteran

Joe Bugner József Kreul Bugner (born 13 March 1950) is a Hungarian-born British- Australian former heavyweight boxer and actor. He holds triple nationality, being a citizen of Hungary and a naturalised citizen of both Australia and the United King ...

. In 1987, he was upset in eight rounds, as underdog (and regular Tyson sparring partner) Michael Williams came off the floor to stop Tillis. Later in the same year, he was stopped in five rounds on cuts by future champ

Frank Bruno Franklin Roy Bruno, (born 16 November 1961) is a British former professional boxer who competed from 1982 to 1996. He had a highly publicised and eventful career, both in and out of the ring. The pinnacle of Bruno's boxing career was winning ...

in London, and then knocked out in 10 rounds by hard-hitting

Johnny DuPlooy Johnny du Plooy (27 September 1964 – 12 April 2013) was a former South African heavyweight boxer best known for his win over former WBA World Heavyweight champion Mike Weaver. He challenged once for the WBO World Heavyweight title in 1989. B ...

in South Africa. Having failed to secure a rematch with Tyson in 1988, this time for the undisputed heavyweight championship, he made one last attempt at the big time. Tillis was brought in to fight reigning cruiserweight world champion

Evander Holyfield Evander Holyfield (born October 19, 1962) is an American former professional boxer who competed between 1984 and 2011. He reigned as the Undisputed championship (boxing), undisputed champion at cruiserweight (boxing), cruiserweight in the late 1 ...

, who was making a high-profile move into the heavyweight ranks. Holyfield outpunched Tillis in five one-sided rounds. Tillis resurfaced in 1991. However, his days even as a journeyman appeared over, as hard-hitting (and future

WBO The World Boxing Organization (WBO) is an organization which sanctions professional boxing bouts. It is recognized by the International Boxing Hall of Fame (IBHOF) as one of the four major world championship groups, alongside the World Boxing ...

World Champion)

Tommy Morrison Tommy "The Duke" Morrison (January 2, 1969 – September 1, 2013) was an American professional boxer who competed from 1988 to 2008, and held the WBO heavyweight title in 1993. He retired from boxing in 1996 when he tested positive for HIV. Mo ...

stopped him out in one round.

Semi-retirement

Tillis fought on and off until 2001. Although he still was able to outpoint former top-flight amateur

Craig Payne Craig Payne (May 22, 1961 – April 7, 2017) was an American professional boxer who competed from 1985 to 2001, challenging for the IBO heavyweight title in 1992. As an amateur, he won the National Golden Gloves super heavyweight title in 1983. ...

, a 39-year-old Tillis was stopped in six rounds by Cliff Couser in 1996. Tillis fought his last fight in 2001, losing to clubfighter Rob Calloway when he was 44 years old.

Professional boxing record

, - , align="center" colspan=8, 42 Wins (31 knockouts, 11 decisions), 22 Losses (11 knockouts, 11 decisions), 1 Draw, 1 No Contest''

, - , align="center" style="border-style: none none solid solid; background: #e3e3e3", Result , align="center" style="border-style: none none solid solid; background: #e3e3e3", Record , align="center" style="border-style: none none solid solid; background: #e3e3e3", Opponent , align="center" style="border-style: none none solid solid; background: #e3e3e3", Type , align="center" style="border-style: none none solid solid; background: #e3e3e3", Round , align="center" style="border-style: none none solid solid; background: #e3e3e3", Date , align="center" style="border-style: none none solid solid; background: #e3e3e3", Location , align="center" style="border-style: none none solid solid; background: #e3e3e3", Notes , -align=center , Loss , 42–22–1 , align=left, Rob Calloway , TKO , 9 , Apr 13, 2001 , align=left, Saint Joseph Civic Center,

Saint Joseph, Missouri St. Joseph is a city in and the county seat of Buchanan County, Missouri. Small parts of St. Joseph extend into Andrew County. Located on the Missouri River, it is the principal city of the St. Joseph Metropolitan Statistical Area, which includ ...

, U.S. , , - , Loss , 42–21–1 , align=left, Tim Puller , UD , 10 , Oct 16, 1999 , align=left,

Issaquah, Washington Issaquah ( ) is a city in King County, Washington, United States. The population was 40,051 at the 2020 census. Located in a valley and bisected by Interstate 90, the city is bordered by the Sammamish Plateau to the north and the " Issaquah Al ...

, U.S. , , - , Loss , 42–20–1 , align=left, Cliff Couser , TKO , 6 , Aug 30, 1996 , align=left, Quay Centennial Building, Vancouver, Washington, U.S. , , - , Win , 42–19–1 , align=left,

, UD , 8 , Jun 21, 1996 , align=left, Quay Centennial Building,

Vancouver, Washington Vancouver is a city on the north bank of the Columbia River in the U.S. state of Washington, located in Clark County. Incorporated in 1857, Vancouver has a population of 190,915 as of the 2020 census, making it the fourth-largest city in Was ...

, U.S. , , - , style="background:#ddd;", NC , 41–19–1 , align=left, Will Hinton , NC , 3 , Dec 7, 1995 , align=left,

Denver, Colorado Denver () is a consolidated city and county, the capital, and most populous city of the U.S. state of Colorado. Its population was 715,522 at the 2020 census, a 19.22% increase since 2010. It is the 19th-most populous city in the Unit ...

, U.S. , , - , Loss , 41–19–1 , align=left, Alexander Zolkin , UD , 10 , Oct 8, 1995 , align=left,

Columbus, Ohio Columbus () is the state capital and the most populous city in the U.S. state of Ohio. With a 2020 census population of 905,748, it is the 14th-most populous city in the U.S., the second-most populous city in the Midwest, after Chicago, an ...

, U.S. , , - , Win , 41–18–1 , align=left, Stan White Johnson , TKO , 3 , Feb 28, 1992 , align=left, Union Hall, Countryside,

Countryside, Illinois Countryside is a city in Cook County, Illinois, United States. Per the 2020 census, the population was 6,420. History The land where Countryside sits was originally inhabited by the Potawatomi Indians and later by early American pioneers in the ...

, U.S. , , - , Win , 40–18–1 , align=left, Danny Blake , SD , 10 , Nov 22, 1991 , align=left,

Peoria, Illinois Peoria ( ) is the county seat of Peoria County, Illinois, United States, and the largest city on the Illinois River. As of the 2020 census, the city had a population of 113,150. It is the principal city of the Peoria Metropolitan Area in Ce ...

, U.S. , , - , Loss , 39–18–1 , align=left,

, TKO , 1 , Jan 11, 1991 , align=left, Trump Taj Mahal, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S. , , - , Win , 39–17–1 , align=left, Carlton West , TKO , 3 , Dec 7, 1990 , align=left, Valley Sports Arena,

Roanoke, Virginia Roanoke ( ) is an independent city in the U.S. state of Virginia. At the 2020 census, the population was 100,011, making it the 8th most populous city in the Commonwealth of Virginia and the largest city in Virginia west of Richmond. It is ...

, U.S. , , - , Loss , 38–17–1 , align=left, Adilson Rodrigues , UD , 10 , Mar 20, 1989 , align=left, Toledo, Parana, Brazil , , - , Loss , 38–16–1 , align=left, Arthel Lawhorne , UD , 10 , Jan 14, 1989 , align=left,

The Palace of Auburn Hills The Palace of Auburn Hills, commonly referred to as the Palace, was a multi-purpose arena built in 1988 and located in Auburn Hills, Michigan. It was the home of the Detroit Pistons of the National Basketball Association (NBA), the Detroit Shoc ...

Auburn Hills, Michigan Auburn Hills is a city in Oakland County in the U.S. state of Michigan. The population was 21,412 at the 2010 census. Before incorporating as a city in 1983, the area was part of the now-defunct Pontiac Township. It is home to Oakland Universi ...

, U.S. , , - , Loss , 38–15–1 , align=left, Gary Mason , TKO , 5 , Nov 30, 1988 , align=left,

Elephant and Castle Shopping Centre The Elephant and Castle is an area around a major road junction in London, England, in the London Borough of Southwark. The name also informally refers to much of Walworth and Newington, due to the proximity of the London Underground statio ...

Southwark Southwark ( ) is a district of Central London situated on the south bank of the River Thames, forming the north-western part of the wider modern London Borough of Southwark. The district, which is the oldest part of South London, developed ...

, England , , - , Loss , 38–14–1 , align=left,

, RTD , 5 , Jul 16, 1988 , align=left,

Caesars Tahoe Bally's Lake Tahoe (formerly Park Tahoe, Caesars Tahoe, and MontBleu Resort Casino) is a casino hotel in Stateline, Nevada. It is owned by Edgewood Companies and operated by Bally's Corporation. The property includes a casino and a 438-room hotel ...

Stateline, Nevada Stateline is a census-designated place (CDP) on the southeastern shore of Lake Tahoe in Douglas County, Nevada, United States. It lies next to the California state line and City of South Lake Tahoe. The population was 842 at the 2010 census. ...

, U.S. , , - , Win , 38–13–1 , align=left, Rodney Smith , KO , 2 , Apr 9, 1988 , align=left, Caesars Palace, Paradise, Nevada, U.S. , , - , Win , 37–13–1 , align=left, Dennis Jackson , KO , 5 , Oct 16, 1987 , align=left,

Boardwalk Hall Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall, formerly known as the Historic Atlantic City Convention Hall, is a multi-purpose arena in Atlantic City in Atlantic County, New Jersey. It was Atlantic City's primary convention center until the opening of the Atlant ...

, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S. , , - , Loss , 36–13–1 , align=left,

, TKO , 10 , Jun 23, 1987 , align=left, Ellis Park Indoor Arena, Johannesburg, South Africa , , - , Loss , 36–12–1 , align=left,

, TKO , 5 , Mar 24, 1987 , align=left,

Wembley Arena Wembley Arena (originally the Empire Pool, now known as OVO Arena Wembley for sponsorship reasons) is an indoor arena next to Wembley Stadium in Wembley, London, England, used for music, comedy, family entertainment and sport. The 12,500- ...

London London is the capital and List of urban areas in the United Kingdom, largest city of England and the United Kingdom, with a population of just under 9 million. It stands on the River Thames in south-east England at the head of a estuary dow ...

, England , align=left, , - , Win , 36–11–1 , align=left, Ronnie Douglas , TKO , 5 , Mar 6, 1987 , align=left,

Fort Smith, Arkansas Fort Smith is the third-largest city in Arkansas and one of the two county seats of Sebastian County. As of the 2020 Census, the population was 89,142. It is the principal city of the Fort Smith, Arkansas–Oklahoma Metropolitan Statistical Are ...

, U.S. , align=left, , - , Loss , 35–11–1 , align=left, Mike Williams , TKO , 8 , Jan 8, 1987 , align=left, Marriott Brookhollow, Houston, Texas, U.S. , , - align=center , style="background: #c5d2ea", Draw , 35–10–1 , align=left, Avery Rawls , PTS , align=left, 10 , Nov 11, 1986 , align=left,

Showboat Hotel and Casino The Showboat Hotel and Casino, known as the Castaways Hotel and Casino from 2000-2004, was a hotel and casino located at the north end of the Boulder Strip in Las Vegas, Nevada. The hotel consisted of a 19 story tower containing 445 rooms, a ca ...

Las Vegas, Nevada Las Vegas (; Spanish for "The Meadows"), often known simply as Vegas, is the 25th-most populous city in the United States, the most populous city in the state of Nevada, and the county seat of Clark County. The city anchors the Las Vega ...

, U.S. , , - , Win , 35–10 , align=left, Lorenzo Boyd , KO , 3 , Oct 28, 1986 , align=left,

Station Square Station Square is a indoor and outdoor shopping and entertainment complex located in the South Shore neighborhood of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States across the Monongahela River from the Golden Triangle of downtown Pittsburgh. Station S ...

Pittsburgh Pittsburgh ( ) is a city in the Commonwealth (U.S. state), Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, United States, and the county seat of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, Allegheny County. It is the most populous city in both Allegheny County and Wester ...

, Pennsylvania, U.S. , align=left, , - , Win , 34–10 , align=left, Eddie Richardson , PTS , 10 , Oct 18, 1986 , align=left,

Mesquite, Texas Mesquite is a suburban city located east of the city of Dallas, Texas, in the United States. Most of the city is located in Dallas County, though a small portion extends into Kaufman County. As of 2019 census estimates, the population was ...

, U.S. , align=left, , - , Loss , 33–10 , align=left,

, PTS , 10 , Sep 15, 1986 , align=left,

Sydney Entertainment Centre Sydney Entertainment Centre (later known as Qantas Credit Union Arena) was a multi-purpose arena located in Haymarket, Sydney, Australia. It opened in May 1983, to replace Sydney Stadium, which had been demolished in 1970 to make way for the ...

Sydney Sydney ( ) is the capital city of the state of New South Wales, and the most populous city in both Australia and Oceania. Located on Australia's east coast, the metropolis surrounds Sydney Harbour and extends about towards the Blue Mounta ...

, Australia , align=left, , - , Win , 33–9 , align=left, Art Terry , UD , 8 , Jul 29, 1986 , align=left, Continental Inn,

Lexington, Kentucky Lexington is a city in Kentucky, United States that is the county seat of Fayette County. By population, it is the second-largest city in Kentucky and 57th-largest city in the United States. By land area, it is the country's 28th-largest ...

, U.S. , align=left, , - , Win , 32–9 , align=left, Mark Young , KO , 8 , Jun 17, 1986 , align=left, Tulsa, Oklahoma, U.S. , align=left, , - , Loss , 31–9 , align=left,

, UD , 10 , May 3, 1986 , align=left,

Glens Falls Civic Center The Cool Insuring Arena (originally called Glens Falls Civic Center) is a 4,794-seat multi-purpose arena located in downtown Glens Falls, New York, that currently serves as the home of the Adirondack Thunder of the ECHL. Built in 1979, it was orig ...

Glens Falls, New York Glens Falls is a City (New York), city in Warren County, New York, Warren County, New York, United States and is the central city of the Glens Falls, New York metropolitan area, Glens Falls Metropolitan Statistical Area. The population was 14,7 ...

, U.S. , align=left, , - , Loss , 31–8 , align=left,

Tyrell Biggs Tyrell Biggs (born December 22, 1960) is an American former professional boxer who competed from 1984 to 1998, and challenged once for the undisputed heavyweight title in 1987. As an amateur he won a gold medal at the 1984 Summer Olympics, havin ...

, UD , 8 , Jan 25, 1986 , align=left, Americana Host Farm,

Lancaster, Pennsylvania Lancaster, ( ; pdc, Lengeschder) is a city in and the county seat of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. It is one of the oldest inland cities in the United States. With a population at the 2020 census of 58,039, it ranks 11th in population amon ...

, U.S. , align=left, , - , Loss , 31–7 , align=left,

, UD , 10 , Sep 7, 1985 , align=left,

Ellis Park Stadium Ellis Park Stadium (known as Emirates Airline Park for sponsorship reasons) is a rugby union and association football stadium in the city of Johannesburg, Gauteng Province, South Africa. It hosted the final of the 1995 Rugby World Cup, which was ...

Johannesburg Johannesburg ( , , ; Zulu language, Zulu and xh, eGoli ), colloquially known as Jozi, Joburg, or "The City of Gold", is the largest city in South Africa, classified as a Megacity#List of megacities, megacity, and is List of urban areas by p ...

, South Africa , align=left, , - , Loss , 31–6 , align=left,

, UD , 10 , May 20, 1985 , align=left,

Lawlor Events Center Lawlor Events Center is northern Nevada's largest multi-purpose arena. It is located in Reno, Nevada at the intersection of North Virginia Street and 15th Street on the University of Nevada, Reno campus. It is named after former athletic director, ...

Reno, Nevada Reno ( ) is a city in the northwest section of the U.S. state of Nevada, along the Nevada-California border, about north from Lake Tahoe, known as "The Biggest Little City in the World". Known for its casino and tourism industry, Reno is th ...

, U.S. , align=left, , - , Win , 31–5 , align=left, Bashir Wadud , UD , 10 , Dec 15, 1984 , align=left,

Genesee Theatre Genesee Theatre is a concert hall and movie palace in Waukegan, Illinois. Today, the venue has seats for 2,403 people and opened in 1927. It's both used as a vaudeville theater and cinema and hosts musical artists and shows. History In 1926, A.L ...

Waukegan, Illinois ''(Fortress or Trading Post)'' , image_flag = , image_seal = , blank_emblem_size = 150 , blank_emblem_type = Logo , subdivision_type = Country , subdivision_type1 = State , subdivisi ...

, U.S. , align=left, , - , Loss , 30–5 , align=left, Carl Williams , UD , 10 , Oct 23, 1984 , align=left, Atlantis Hotel and Casino,

Atlantic City, New Jersey Atlantic City, often known by its initials A.C., is a coastal resort city in Atlantic County, New Jersey, United States. The city is known for its casinos, boardwalk, and beaches. In 2020, the city had a population of 38,497.

, U.S. , align=left, , - , Win , 30–4 , align=left, Michael Bennett , KO , 1 , Aug 20, 1984 , align=left, Miami, Oklahoma, U.S. , align=left, , - , Win , 29–4 , align=left, Billy Joe Thomas , KO , 3 , Jul 10, 1984 , align=left, Tulsa, Oklahoma, U.S. , align=left, , - , Win , 28–4 , align=left, Bobby Crabtree , KO , 3 , Apr 26, 1984 , align=left, Excelsior Hotel, Tulsa, Oklahoma, U.S. , align=left, , - , Win , 27–4 , align=left, Otis Bates , KO , 2 , Feb 9, 1984 , align=left,

, U.S. , align=left, , - , Loss , 26–4 , align=left,

, TKO , 1 , Sep 23, 1983 , align=left,

Richfield Coliseum Richfield Coliseum, also known as the Coliseum at Richfield, was an indoor arena located in Richfield Township, Summit County, Ohio, Richfield Township, between Cleveland and Akron, Ohio. It opened in 1974 as a replacement for the Cleveland Arena ...

Richfield, Ohio Richfield is a village in Summit County, Ohio, United States. The population was 3,648 at the 2010 census. The village and the adjacent Richfield Township are approximately equidistant between the downtown areas of Akron and Cleveland. It is ...

, U.S. , align=left, , - , Win , 26–3 , align=left, Lynwood Jones , KO , 4 , Jul 9, 1983 , align=left, DiVinci Manor, Chicago, Illinois, U.S. , align=left, , - , Win , 25–3 , align=left, Larry Givens , TKO , 2 , May 22, 1983 , align=left, Chicago, Illinois, U.S. , align=left, , - , Win , 24–3 , align=left, Grady Daniels , TKO , 4 , Apr 25, 1983 , align=left, Congress Americana Hotel, Chicago, Illinois, U.S. , align=left, , - , Win , 23–3 , align=left, Leroy Boone , PTS , 10 , Mar 28, 1983 , align=left, Congress Americana Hotel, Chicago, Illinois, U.S. , align=left, , - , Loss , 22–3 , align=left, Greg Page , TKO , 8 , Nov 26, 1982 , align=left,

Astrodome The NRG Astrodome, also known as the Houston Astrodome or simply the Astrodome, is the world's first multi-purpose, domed sports stadium, located in Houston, Texas. It was financed and assisted in development by Roy Hofheinz, mayor of Houston ...

Houston Houston (; ) is the most populous city in Texas, the most populous city in the Southern United States, the fourth-most populous city in the United States, and the sixth-most populous city in North America, with a population of 2,304,580 ...

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, TKO , 8 , Aug 14, 1982 , align=left, Stouffer's Ballroom,

Cleveland Cleveland ( ), officially the City of Cleveland, is a city in the United States, U.S. U.S. state, state of Ohio and the county seat of Cuyahoga County, Ohio, Cuyahoga County. Located in the northeastern part of the state, it is situated along ...

, Ohio, U.S. , align=left, , - , Win , 22–1 , align=left,

, UD , 10 , Jun 11, 1982 , align=left,

Caesars Palace Caesars Palace is a luxury hotel and casino in Paradise, Nevada, United States. The hotel is situated on the west side of the Las Vegas Strip between Bellagio and The Mirage. It is one of Las Vegas's largest and best known landmarks. Caesar ...

, Paradise, Nevada, U.S. , align=left, , - , Win , 21–1 , align=left, Jerry Williams , KO , 3 , Mar 13, 1982 , align=left,

Sands Hotel The Sands Hotel and Casino was a historic American hotel and casino on the Las Vegas Strip in Nevada, United States, that operated from 1952 to 1996. Designed by architect Wayne McAllister, with a prominent high sign, the Sands was the sevent ...

Paradise, Nevada Paradise is an unincorporated town and census-designated place (CDP) in Clark County, Nevada, United States, adjacent to the city of Las Vegas. It was formed on December 8, 1950. Its population was 191,238 at the 2020 census, making it the f ...

, U.S. , align=left, , - , Loss , 20–1 , align=left, Mike Weaver , UD , 15 , Oct 3, 1981 , align=left,

Rosemont Horizon Allstate Arena is a multi-purpose arena in Rosemont, Illinois, United States. It is located near the intersection of Mannheim Road and Interstate 90, adjacent to the city limits of Chicago and O'Hare International Airport. The facility opened in ...

Rosemont, Illinois Rosemont is a village in Cook County, Illinois, United States. Located immediately northwest of Chicago, as of the 2010 census it had a population of 4,202. The village was incorporated in 1956, though it had been settled long before that. Whi ...

, U.S. , style="text-align:left;", , - , Win , 20–0 , align=left, Tom Fischer , PTS , 10 , Mar 9, 1981 , align=left, Hilton Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, U.S. , align=left, , - , Win , 19–0 , align=left, Domingo D'Elia , TKO , 4 , Nov 13, 1980 , align=left, International Amphitheatre, Chicago, Illinois, U.S. , align=left, , - , Win , 18–0 , align=left, Mike Koranicki , UD , 10 , Aug 14, 1980 , align=left, International Amphitheatre, Chicago, Illinois, U.S. , align=left, , - , Win , 17–0 , align=left, Eric Sedillo , TKO , 4 , Jun 12, 1980 , align=left,

Hilton Chicago The Hilton Chicago (also known as Chicago Hilton and Towers) is a centrally-located luxury hotel in Chicago, Illinois, United States. The hotel is a Chicago landmark that overlooks Grant Park, Lake Michigan, and the Museum Campus. It is the thir ...

, Chicago, Illinois, U.S. , align=left, , - , Win , 16–0 , align=left, Walter Santemore , UD , 10 , May 15, 1980 , align=left, Aragon Ballroom, Chicago, Illinois, U.S. , align=left, , - , Win , 15–0 , align=left, Frank Schram , TKO , 2 , Apr 17, 1980 , align=left, Aragon Ballroom, Chicago, Illinois, U.S. , align=left, , - , Win , 14–0 , align=left,

, TKO , 7 , Mar 3, 1980 , align=left, International Amphitheatre, Chicago, Illinois, U.S. , align=left, , - , Win , 13–0 , align=left, Roy Wallace , UD , 10 , Feb 1, 1980 , align=left, International Amphitheatre, Chicago, Illinois, U.S. , align=left, , - , Win , 12–0 , align=left, Al Jones , KO , 4 , Dec 13, 1979 , align=left,

Tulsa Civic Center The Cox Business Convention Center (formerly the Tulsa Assembly Center, Tulsa Convention Center, and Maxwell Convention Center) is a 310,625 square foot convention center located in downtown Tulsa, Oklahoma. The Cox Business Convention Center (C ...

, U.S. , align=left, , - , Win , 11–0 , align=left, Harry Terrell , KO , 1 , Nov 20, 1979 , align=left, Circle Arena, Chicago, Illinois, U.S. , align=left, , - , Win , 10–0 , align=left, Bob Whaley , TKO , 1 , Oct 19, 1979 , align=left, Chicago, Illinois, U.S. , align=left, , - , Win , 9–0 , align=left, Jimmy Cross , TKO , 2 , Sep 7, 1979 , align=left, Circle Arena, Chicago, Illinois, U.S. , align=left, , - , Win , 8–0 , align=left, Charles Anderson Atlas , TKO , 2 , Jul 30, 1979 , align=left,

International Amphitheatre The International Amphitheatre was an indoor arena located in Chicago, Illinois, that opened in 1934 and was demolished in 1999. It was located on the west side of Halsted Street, at 42nd Street, on the city's south side, in the Canaryville n ...

, Chicago, Illinois, U.S. , align=left, , - , Win , 7–0 , align=left, Henry Porter , TKO , 6 , Jul 20, 1979 , align=left,

University of Illinois at Chicago The University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) is a public research university in Chicago, Illinois. Its campus is in the Near West Side community area, adjacent to the Chicago Loop. The second campus established under the University of Illinois ...

, Chicago, Illinois, U.S. , align=left, , - , Win , 6–0 , align=left, George Gofarth , TKO , 5 , Jun 11, 1979 , align=left, Aragon Ballroom, Chicago, Illinois, U.S. , align=left, , - , Win , 5–0 , align=left, Rocky Lane , KO , 1 , Mar 31, 1979 , align=left, Chicago, Illinois, U.S. , align=left, , - , Win , 4–0 , align=left, Sylvester Wilder , TKO , 3 , Feb 28, 1979 , align=left,

DePaul University DePaul University is a private, Catholic research university in Chicago, Illinois. Founded by the Vincentians in 1898, the university takes its name from the 17th-century French priest Saint Vincent de Paul. In 1998, it became the largest Ca ...

, Chicago, Illinois, U.S. , align=left, , - , Win , 3–0 , align=left, Dave Watkins , KO , 1 , Feb 2, 1979 , align=left, Aragon Ballroom, Chicago, Illinois, U.S. , align=left, , - , Win , 2–0 , align=left, Al Bell , TKO , 1 , Dec 15, 1978 , align=left, Aragon Ballroom, Chicago, Illinois, U.S. , align=left, , - , Win , 1–0 , align=left, Ron Stephany , KO , 1 , Nov 18, 1978 , align=left, Alumni Hall,

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Exhibition boxing record

Life after boxing

In retirement he wrote an autobiography, ''Thinkin Big: The Story of James Quick Tillis, the Fightin' Cowboy''. James Tillis received catBOX Entertainment, Inc.’s Lifetime Sports Achievement Award. Tillis, whose fighting prowess named him “quick” and “the fighting cowboy”, was honored with the catBOX Entertainment, Inc.’s Lifetime Sports Achievement Award, before the main event at catBOX’s professional fight card set for February 11, 2010 at Remington Park Casino in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. On February 12, 2010, the State of Oklahoma honored one of its favorite sons, James “Quick” Tillis of Tulsa. Gov. Brad Henry signed a declaration making Feb 12 James “Quick” Tillis Day in Oklahoma. As of 2010 Tillis is living in Tulsa.Adam Wisneski
"Then and Now: Boxer 'Quick' Tillis sees fortune, fame knocked out as fast as they came"
''

Tulsa World The ''Tulsa World'' is the daily newspaper for the city of Tulsa, Oklahoma, and primary newspaper for the northeastern and eastern portions of Oklahoma. Tulsa World Media Company is part of Lee Enterprises. The new owners announced in January 20 ...

'', August 8, 2010. His daughter Iciss played

basketball Basketball is a team sport in which two teams, most commonly of five players each, opposing one another on a rectangular Basketball court, court, compete with the primary objective of #Shooting, shooting a basketball (ball), basketball (appr ...

Duke University Duke University is a private research university in Durham, North Carolina. Founded by Methodists and Quakers in the present-day city of Trinity in 1838, the school moved to Durham in 1892. In 1924, tobacco and electric power industrialist Jam ...

as a center, and was on the United States National Team for the 2003

Pan American Games The Pan American Games (also known colloquially as the Pan Am Games) is a continental multi-sport event in the Americas featuring summer sports, in which thousands of athletes participate in a variety of competitions. The competition is hel ...

. Iciss was later selected in the first round by the

Detroit Shock The Detroit Shock were a Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) team based in Auburn Hills, Michigan. They were the 2003, 2006, and 2008 WNBA champions. Debuting in 1998, the Shock were one of the league's first expansion franchises. Th ...

during 2004 WNBA Draft. She later played for the

New York Liberty The New York Liberty are an American professional basketball team based in the New York City borough of Brooklyn. The Liberty compete in the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) as part of the league's Eastern Conference. The team was ...

in 2006.

Honorary Sign

On September 22, 2017 Tillis was honored by the city of Tulsa with honorary signs renaming a section of E. Virgin St "Quick Tillis Way" from N. Garrison Ave – N. Frankfort Ave.

Rochester Boxing Hall of Fame induction

On November 5, 2011, James "Quick" Tillis was Inducted into the Rochester Boxing Hall of Fame, receiving the "John Mastrella Integrity Award". Tillis places the priorities in his life as "Serving The Lord Jesus Christ, Cowboy-ing and volunteering with amateur boxing clubs". Bringing to fruition film adaptation of his autobiography, ''Thinkin Big: The Story of James Quick Tillis, the Fightin' Cowboy'', is his pet project.

References

* http://www.catboxentertainment.com/catboxaward.html * https://web.archive.org/web/20120421154020/http://www.tulsabeacon.com/?p=3684 * http://www.ringsideboxingshow.com/RingsideBoxingShowPage.html * http://www.powerpunchers.net/WEBPROTECT%2Dfighterinterviews.htm * https://web.archive.org/web/20120418180032/http://www.eastsideboxing.com/news.php?p=7622&more=1 * http://poststar.com/sports/article_3d5b9d82-ad9a-11df-963b-001cc4c002e0.html * http://www.boxingscene.com/james-quick-tillis-memories-near-miss-kid--32419 * https://web.archive.org/web/20160304081756/http://thesecondimpact.com/uploads/boxing_hof_press_release.pdf * http://www.tulsaworld.com/sportsextra/article.aspx?subjectid=29&articleid=20111113_29_B10_CUTLIN155558 * http://www.sportofboxing.com/a-comparison-of-master-plans-david-haye-vs-james-quick-tillis/ * http://www.ustream.tv/recorded/18973998 * http://www.fighthype.com/pages/content11742.html

External links

* {{DEFAULTSORT:Tillis, James 1957 births Living people Boxers from Oklahoma Sportspeople from Tulsa, Oklahoma American male boxers Heavyweight boxers