Khaosai Galaxy

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Khaosai Galaxy (Template:Langx, Script error: No such module "IPA".; born 15 May 1959) is a Thai former professional boxer and Muay Thai fighter who competed between 1980 and 1991. He held the World Boxing Association (WBA) super-flyweight title from 1984 and 1991. He is listed #19 on Ring Magazine's list of 100 greatest punchers of all time and named him the 43rd greatest fighter of the past 80 years in 2002.[1] As of 2022, BoxRec rates him as the best Thai boxer of all time, pound for pound.[2]

Muay Thai career

Khaosai Galaxy, born Sura Saenkham (Template:Langx) in Phetchabun province, northern Thailand, began his fighting career as a Muay Thai fighter in the early 1980s. He fought under the ring names Daoden Muangsithep (Template:Langx) and Khaosai Wangchomphu. (Template:Langx). Later, he adopted the name Galaxy from a restaurant and nightclub owned by a friend of his manager.

Renowned for his devastating punching power, especially his soon-to-be-legendary left hand, Khaosai was advised by his manager and trainer to switch to the Marquess of Queensberry rules, and began training in western-style boxing.

He credited his mother as his first trainer. A passionate boxing and Muay Thai fan, she was inspired by the rise of Pone Kingpetch, Thailand's first world champion, who was becoming a national hero around the time Khaosai and his twin brother Khaokor Galaxy were born. Driven by her enthusiasm, she began training her sons from a young age, waking them at 4:00 a.m. to run before school and supporting their boxing journey in every way. Tragically, she died before witnessing Khaosai's rise to world champion.

Boxing style

Lacking the amateur boxing experience common to most Western professional boxers, Khaosai's skills originally were limited, and he relied on toughness and his fearsome punching power to win. His southpaw style was based on closing his opponent and firing his left hand whenever he saw an opening. His right hand was used mainly to judge the distance for his left. He also studied recorded fights of renowned world champions such as Muhammad Ali, Sugar Ray Leonard, and Marvin Hagler, which helped him refine his skills and expand his tactical understanding in the ring.

As he gained experience, Khaosai began to develop into a more refined boxer, learning combination punching to complement his deadly left. His favorite punch, a straight left to the midsection, translates roughly as "the left hand that drills intestines". Incredibly strong, he was never out-muscled, while opponents who tried the traditional stick-and-move techniques found he had quick feet and was able to block their movements.

Professional boxing career

Khaosai began his international style boxing career in December 1980. He won all of his first six fights, which earned him a shot at the Thailand bantamweight (118-pound) title on 1981 against Sakda Saksuree. He lost on a points decision. It was to be the last fight he would ever lose in the ring.

Khaosai won his next three fights and claimed the Thai bantamweight title in 1982. He won 15 consecutive fights by knockout and climbed in the world rankings to become super-flyweight WBA world champion Jiro Watanabe's mandatory challenger by the summer of 1984.

When Watanabe failed to defend his title against Khaosai, the WBA stripped him and matched Khaosai against undefeated Eusebio Espinal for the vacant championship on 1984. Khaosai knocked out Espinal in the sixth round, beginning the longest title reign in his division's history.

Khaosai defended his WBA title 19 times over the next seven years, winning 16 of his title fights by knockouts. In the mid-1980s, when world heavyweight champion Mike Tyson was in his prime and scoring knockouts over everyone, boxing fans nicknamed Khaosai The Thai Tyson for knockout wins.

Khaosai fought only once outside of Asia, when he defended his title in 1986 against unbeaten (and future WBA bantamweight titleholder) Israel Contreras in Curaçao. He had two title fights in Kōbe, Japan, one in South Korea and one at Bung Karno Stadium, Indonesia. The rest were in Thailand, where he often fought for purses in excess of $100,000 in front of huge crowds. That, plus the fact that few top fighters anywhere were willing to challenge Khaosai, made him relatively unknown in the West.

In 1988, his twin younger brother, fighting under the name Kaokhor Galaxy, captured the WBA bantamweight title, making the Galaxy brothers (Saenkham brothers) the first twins to ever be world boxing champions.[3]

File:Khaosai Galaxy.jpg
Khaosai Galaxy in 2007

Retirement

He fought for the last time on December 22, 1991 in Bangkok, beating Armando Castro over 12 rounds. A few weeks later, he announced his retirement with a record of 47 wins against only one defeat, and never attempted a comeback.

Life after boxing

Not long after his retirement to the boxing profession, Khaosai chose to take part in the Thai entertainment industry. He first took a shot at the music industry, releasing a single, "Khob Khun Krub", meaning "Thank You", then began taking part in TV series and movies, particularly comedies. His first role as an actor occurred during the TV series Poot Mae Nam Khong (1992 version), which was then followed by Mon Rak Luk Thung (1995 version), The Legend of Suriyothai (2001), and The Bodyguard (2004)[4] etc. In 2005, while he was taking part in a film, he was punched in the face by a drunken fan, who wished to obtain Khaosai's shirt for collection but was denied. The incident made frontline news, which displayed a photo of Khaosai, with a bandage on his face but smiling and standing next to the drunk man.

In 2006, he starred in a music video for a song by fellow boxers Somluck Kamsing and Samart Payakaroon. In the video, Khaosai portrayed a shy man being approached by a young woman.

After retirement, he married Yumiko Ota, a Japanese woman whom he had met during a trip to Kōbe, Japan, for his second fight with Kenji Matsumura in 1989. The couple lived together for only one year before divorcing.

He later married a woman from Buriram, Sureerat "Fah" Saenkham (née Niwesram). Although they had no children together, Khaosai chose to adopt his wife's nephew as his stepchild.[5]

In March 2013, he made headlines again when he unexpectedly married Wannapa "Nung" Kamboonsri before legally divorcing his previous wife. That same year, he became a father for the first time at the age of 54 when his wife gave birth to a daughter.[6][7] In 2016, they welcomed their second daughter at the end of the year.[8]

Today, Khaosai owns two Muay Thai gyms, one in Bangkok,[9] and another in Phuket.[10] He also served as Denkaosan Kaovichit's trainer for a one-off bout against Takefumi Sakata in late 2008 in Yokohama, Japan. Denkaosan won by knockout in the second round, becoming the next WBA flyweight champion.[4]

Beyond boxing and entertainment, Khaosai has also dabbled in politics. In the 2007 general election, he ran as a party-list candidate for the Puea Pandin Party but was unsuccessful. Later, in the 2011 general election, he ran for Chartthaipattana Party in his native Phetchabun's 2nd district, but garnered only 8,485 votes and did not win the seat.[4]

Legacy

Khaosai's unmatched fame helped spark a tradition unique to Thailand, in which politicians or private companies organized world title boxing matches and allowed the public to attend for free. In exchange, the sponsors received publicity on televised broadcasts, had their names announced, and presented gold necklaces or other gifts to the fighters before the bouts.[4]

This tradition began with his ninth title defense at the Crocodile Farm, Samut Prakan in 1989, against South Korean challenger Chang Tae-il.[4]

Also, it was often said that whenever Khaosai fought, traffic in Bangkok eased, because everyone hurried home to watch him on TV.[4]

He was selected to the International Boxing Hall of Fame (IBHOF) in 1999 and remains a well‑known boxer throughout Thailand. His induction came nearly a decade after his retirement, which was an exceptional honour for an Asian boxer. At the ceremony, the outpouring of admiration was remarkable: fans queued for more than three hours to receive his autograph, and the line included many female supporters who wished to show their respect.[3][4][11]

Professional boxing record

Template:BoxingRecordSummary

No. Result Record Opponent Type Round, time Date Location Notes
48 Win 47–1 Armando Castro UD 12 22 Dec 1991 National Stadium, Bangkok, ThailandScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Retained WBA super-flyweight titleScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
47 Win 46–1 David Griman TKO 5 (12) 20 Jul 1991 Crocodile Farm, Samut Prakan, ThailandScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Retained WBA super-flyweight titleScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
46 Win 45–1 Je Suk Park TKO 5 (12) 7 Apr 1991 Samut Songkhram Stadium, Samut Songkhram, ThailandScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Retained WBA super-flyweight titleScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
45 Win 44–1 Ernesto Ford TKO 6 (12) 9 Dec 1990 Provincial Stadium, Phetchabun, ThailandScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Retained WBA super-flyweight titleScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
44 Win 43–1 Yong Kang Kim KO 6 (12) 29 Sep 1990 Suphan Buri Provincial Stadium, Suphan Buri, ThailandScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Retained WBA super-flyweight titleScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
43 Win 42–1 Shunichi Nakajima TKO 8 (12) 30 Jun 1990 Municipality Gymnasium, Chiang Mai, ThailandScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Retained WBA super-flyweight titleScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
42 Win 41–1 Ari Blanca KO 5 (12) 29 Mar 1990 Rajadamnern Stadium, Bangkok, ThailandScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Retained WBA super-flyweight titleScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
41 Win 40–1 Kenji Matsumura TKO 12 (12) 31 Oct 1989 World Memorial Hall, Kobe, JapanScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Retained WBA super-flyweight titleScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
40 Win 39–1 Alberto Castro TKO 10 (12) 29 Jul 1989 Sri Narong Stadium, Surin, ThailandScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Retained WBA super-flyweight titleScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
39 Win 38–1 Kenji Matsumura UD 12 8 Apr 1989 Yokohama Cultural Gymnasium, Yokohama, JapanScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Retained WBA super-flyweight titleScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
38 Win 37–1 Chang Tae-il KO 2 (12) 15 Jan 1989 Crocodile Farm, Samut Prakan, ThailandScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Retained WBA super-flyweight titleScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
37 Win 36–1 Choi Chang-ho TKO 8 (12)[12] 9 Oct 1988 Sheraton Walker Hill Hotel, Seoul, South KoreaScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Retained WBA super-flyweight titleScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
36 Win 35–1 Jun Llano KO 3 (10) 12 Sep 1988 Bangkok, ThailandScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
35 Win 34–1 Kap Sup Song KO 7 (10) 9 May 1988 Hua Mark Indoor Stadium, Bangkok , ThailandScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
34 Win 33–1 Kongtoranee Payakaroon UD 12 26 Jan 1988 Lumpinee Boxing Stadium, Bangkok, ThailandScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Retained WBA super-flyweight titleScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
33 Win 32–1 Byung-Kwan Chung TKO 3 (12) 12 Oct 1987 Rajadamnern Stadium, Bangkok, ThailandScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Retained WBA super-flyweight titleScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
32 Win 31–1 Chung Sup Chun KO 3 (10) 26 Jun 1987 Bangkok, ThailandScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
31 Win 30–1 Ellyas Pical TKO 14 (15) 28 Feb 1987 Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium, Jakarta, IndonesiaScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Retained WBA super-flyweight titleScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
30 Win 29–1 Israel Contreras KO 5 (15) 1 Nov 1986 Ergilio Hato Stadium, Willemstad, CuraçaoScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Retained WBA super-flyweight titleScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
29 Win 28–1 Edgar Monserrat TKO 2 (15) 23 Dec 1985 Rajadamnern Stadium, Bangkok, ThailandScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Retained WBA super-flyweight titleScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
28 Win 27–1 Rafael Orono TKO 5 (15) 21 Jul 1985 Rajadamnern Stadium, Bangkok, ThailandScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Retained WBA super-flyweight titleScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
27 Win 26–1 Dong Chun Lee KO 7 (15) 6 Mar 1985 Rajadamnern Stadium, Bangkok, ThailandScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Retained WBA super-flyweight titleScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
26 Win 25–1 Eusebio Espinal KO 6 (15) 21 Nov 1984 Rajadamnern Stadium, Bangkok, ThailandScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Won vacant WBA super-flyweight titleScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
25 Win 24–1 Young Ri Moon KO 2 (10) 2 Sep 1984 Bangkok, ThailandScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
24 Win 23–1 Val de Vera TKO 7 (10) 11 Jul 1984 Bangkok, ThailandScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
23 Win 22–1 Jae Sung Uhm PTS 10 14 Mar 1984 Bangkok, ThailandScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
22 Win 21–1 Joe Shiranui TKO 4 (10) 14 Dec 1983 Bangkok, ThailandScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
21 Win 20–1 Gil Ragas TKO 7 (10) 12 Oct 1983 Rajadamnern Stadium, Bangkok, ThailandScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
20 Win 19–1 Park Chan-yong PTS 10 3 Aug 1983 Bangkok, ThailandScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
19 Win 18–1 Luis Ibanez KO 3 (10) 10 May 1983 Lumpinee Boxing Stadium, Bangkok, ThailandScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
18 Win 17–1 Jose Luis Soto KO 2 (10) 23 Feb 1983 Bangkok, ThailandScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
17 Win 16–1 Marciano Sekiyama KO 4 (10) 24 Dec 1982 Bangkok, ThailandScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
16 Win 15–1 Mun Kyun Joo KO 4 (10) 27 Nov 1982 Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
15 Win 14–1 Willie Jensen KO 2 (10) 13 Oct 1982 Bangkok, ThailandScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
14 Win 13–1 Adan Uribe KO 4 (10) 26 Aug 1982 Bangkok, ThailandScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
13 Win 12–1 Agus Suyanto KO 4 (10) 14 Jul 1982 Bangkok, ThailandScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
12 Win 11–1 Ali Formentera KO 5 (10) 24 May 1982 Rajadamnern Stadium, Bangkok, ThailandScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
11 Win 10–1 Yu-Ok Joo KO 4 (10) 14 Apr 1982 Bangkok, ThailandScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
10 Win 9–1 Katsuyuki Ohashi KO 3 (10) 10 Mar 1982 Bangkok, ThailandScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
9 Win 8–1 Sakdisamai Chorsirirat KO 7 (10) 25 Jan 1982 Bangkok, ThailandScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Won vacant Thai bantamweight titleScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
8 Win 7–1 Tsuguyuki Toma KO 4 (10) 14 Oct 1981 Bangkok, ThailandScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
7 Loss 6–1 Sak Galaxy PTS 10 29 Jul 1981 Bangkok, ThailandScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". For vacant Thai bantamweight titleScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
6 Win 6–0 Phichitsuk Korusayarm PTS 6 24 Jun 1981 Bangkok, ThailandScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
5 Win 5–0 Thanee Singchaowal KO 1 (6) 10 Jun 1981 Bangkok, ThailandScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
4 Win 4–0 Tordsakdi Pornthavee KO 3 (6) 13 May 1981 Rajadamnern Stadium, Bangkok, ThailandScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
3 Win 3–0 Prasong Sithkempetch KO 1 (6) 26 Jan 1981 Bangkok, ThailandScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
2 Win 2–0 Sentiang Sithkempetch KO 2 (6) 31 Dec 1980 Bangkok, ThailandScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
1 Win 1–0 Pook Sritam KO 5 (6) 17 Dec 1980 Bangkok, ThailandScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".

Muay Thai record

Template:Fight record start

|- style="background:#fbb;" | 1980-09-09 || Loss ||align=left|Template:Flagicon Kongsadan Sor.Prateep || Lumpinee Stadium || Bangkok, Thailand || Decision || 5 || 3:00

|- style="background:#cfc;" | 1980-08-22 || Win ||align=left|Template:Flagicon Pairatnoi Chuwattana || Lumpinee Stadium || Bangkok, Thailand || Decision || 5 || 3:00

|- style="background:#c5d2ea;" | 1980-08-13 || NC ||align=left|Template:Flagicon Ek Sit Por Daeng || || Bangkok, Thailand || Ek dismissed || 3 ||

|- style="background:#fbb;" | 1980-07-09 || Loss ||align=left|Template:Flagicon Pairatnoi Chuwattana || || Bangkok, Thailand || Decision || 5 || 3:00

|- style="background:#cfc;" | 1980-06-19 || Win ||align=left|Template:Flagicon Phonpichit Sor.Sermphong || || Bangkok, Thailand || KO || 4 ||

|- style="background:#cfc;" | 1980-05-21 || Win ||align=left|Template:Flagicon Thongnoi Porntawee || || Bangkok, Thailand || Decision || 5 || 3:00

|- style="background:#cfc;" | 1979-07-15 || Win ||align=left|Template:Flagicon Yodpetch Porntawee || Rajadamnern Stadium || Bangkok, Thailand || Decision || 5 || 3:00

|- | colspan=9 | Legend:

  1. REDIRECT Template:Legend inline
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  3. REDIRECT Template:Legend inline
  4. REDIRECT Template:Legend inline

|}Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".

References

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  4. ↑ a b c d e f g Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".Template:Cbignore
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  8. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  9. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  10. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  11. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  12. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".

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External links

Template:Sister project

Sporting positions

Template:S-text Template:S-break

Vacant
Title last held by
Jiro Watanabe 		WBA super-flyweight champion
21 November 1984 – 22 December 1991
Retired Template:S-ttl/check 		Vacant
Title next held by
Katsuya Onizuka
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