He worked with James "Quick" Tillis. He put a lot of effort on Tillis, but Tillis despite his talent was a very temperamental fighter that I doubt any trainer could've maximized the talent that Tillis had. Also, even though he never said it Angelo didn't seem to care for Bundini very much and neither did Ferdie Pacheco. They seemed to tolerate him because Ali wanted him around. Here is Quick Tillis talking about having Bundini in his corner This content is protected Marvis Frazier vs. Quick Tillis - You can hear Bundini screaming in the background to motivate Tillis.
I think that Brown and Dundee were pole opposites, but Dundee saw what worked for Clay/Ali brought out best in the fighter, he motivated him, so they coexisted. Bundini of course was part of Sugar Ray Robinsons entourage, a 'minion' at outset but over time became a motivator in camp. Dundees role with Leonard was much less intense than with Ali which was reflected in the fee he earned from Leonard, assistant trainers doing lot of the day to day work but under Dundees plan etc. I just think the 'Mr Motivator' role with Robinson and Clay/Ali were unique to them, Dundini had traditional corner/training nous hence job with Tillis, but "Float like a butterfly sting like a bee............" was of its time and person.
I do think that Drew Bundini Brown was very loyal to Muhammad Ali, except for that time when he sold the championship belt. He must have seen the increasing decline in Muhammad Ali in the post Manila days, where Angelo Dundee was in total denial.
Yes there sure was a bond, differing views on lot of issues but a band of brothers, as you say the belt selling incident side of course, that is pushing friendship limits rather. One thing is for sure Bundini would not have been able to sell the WBC belt if i had won it, oh no, reason being it would never have left my waist, damn its good we can dream.
Bundini Brown was a vulture. Remember when he kept sending Ali out for more punishment against Holmes?
He was useless. Or at least no more use than anyone else who could carry a bucket. Ali liked the threatrical aspect of having a hype man like that but I don't think Bundini gave him any sort of edge at all.
