Personal
A native of Tulsa, Oklahoma, Tillis grew up in a broken family with an alcoholic father and a deeply religious mother. He dreamed about being a professional boxer after he listened to the 1964 bout between Muhammad Ali and Sonny Liston.He enlisted the help of noted trainer Ed Duncan. Tillis had an amateur record of 92-8, which included three state golden gloves and four state aau titles. He lost to future pro opponent Greg Page in the 1976 National Golden Gloves.He also managed to beat future pro contender Renaldo Snipes, who he later turned pro with on the same card in 1978.
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