Khaosai Galaxy Built a Nineteen-Defense Super Flyweight
Khaosai Galaxy won the vacant WBA super flyweight championship by knocking out Eusebio Espinal in the sixth round on November 21, 1984. The Thai southpaw retained the belt through nineteen successful defenses.
The route to the championship
Born Sura Saenkham in Phetchabun, Thailand, on May 15, 1959, Galaxy began in kickboxing before moving to professional boxing. Sakda Saksuree handed him his only defeat, a decision loss that Galaxy later avenged by knockout.
The WBA championship became vacant after Jiro Watanabe failed to defend against Galaxy. His victory over Espinal began a seven-year title run built around sustained pressure and a powerful left hand.
Nineteen defenses and Hall of Fame recognition
Sixteen of Galaxy’s nineteen successful defenses ended by knockout. His title opposition included Israel Contreras in Curaçao in 1986.
His twin brother, Khaokor Galaxy, also became WBA bantamweight champion, giving the family two reigning champions during 1988 and 1989. Khaosai left boxing as champion with forty-nine wins, one defeat and forty-three knockout victories. He entered the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 1999.
Managed by Niwat Laosunwanawat, Galaxy earned the nickname “The Thai Tyson” through his attacking style and heavy punching. His 1986 trip to Curaçao was an excursion outside Asia. He retired as champion in 1992 and never attempted a comeback.
