Boxing’s super flyweight division, encompassing fighters weighing up to 115 pounds, is known for its speed, skill, and explosive power blend. Despite its relatively recent establishment in 1980, the division has produced some of the most thrilling and technically proficient boxers in history.
Here, we celebrate the Top 10 Greatest Super Flyweights Boxers of All Time highlighting their remarkable careers and contributions to the sport. Check out the Top 10 Greatest Super Flyweights Boxers of All Time.
Khaosai Galaxy (Thailand)
Khaosai Galaxy, often called the “Thai Tyson,” is widely considered one of the greatest super flyweights of all time. He held the WBA super flyweight title from 1984 to 1991, successfully defending it 19 times. His southpaw stance, combined with his devastating left hook, made him a formidable opponent. Galaxy retired with a record of 47 wins, one loss, and 41 knockouts, cementing his legacy as a dominant force in the division.
Galaxy’s journey to boxing stardom was anything but conventional. Before turning to boxing, he was a Muay Thai fighter, where he honed his striking skills and developed a toughness that would serve him well in the boxing ring. His transition to boxing was seamless, and he quickly made a name for himself with his ferocious punching power. Galaxy’s reign as champion was characterised by his ability to overpower opponents with his relentless pressure and knockout ability. His impact on the sport extended beyond his record; he became a national hero in Thailand.
Roman Gonzalez (Nicaragua)
Roman “Chocolatito” Gonzalez is a four-division world champion and one of the most talented fighters to ever grace the super flyweight division. Born in 1987, Gonzalez has captured titles in minimumweight, light flyweight, flyweight, and super flyweight. His skill set includes exceptional footwork, relentless pressure, and precise combination punching. Gonzalez won the WBC super flyweight title in 2016, adding another chapter to his storied career. Known for his humble demeanour and work ethic, Gonzalez has earned the admiration of fans and peers alike.
Gonzalez’s journey in boxing began in his hometown of Managua, Nicaragua, where he was mentored by the legendary Alexis Arguello. His early career was marked by rapid success, as he captured multiple world titles across different weight classes. Gonzalez’s move to super flyweight showcased his ability to carry his power and skills to higher-weight divisions. His battles with fighters like Carlos Cuadras and Srisaket Sor Rungvisai were epic encounters that highlighted his resilience and fighting spirit.
Juan Francisco Estrada (México)
Juan Francisco “El Gallo” Estrada is another modern-day great who has left an indelible mark on the super flyweight division. Born in 1990, Estrada’s career has been defined by his technical brilliance and versatility. He first gained recognition by challenging Roman Gonzalez in a competitive bout in 2012. Estrada eventually moved up to super flyweight, where he captured the WBC and WBA titles. His rivalry with Gonzalez and victories over top contenders have solidified his status as one of the best in the division.
Estrada’s rise to prominence was fueled by his determination and boxing IQ. Known for his ability to adapt to different styles and opponents, Estrada’s fights are often tactical masterpieces. His rivalry with Gonzalez, marked by their two epic encounters, has been one of the highlights of the super flyweight division. Estrada’s victories over other elite fighters, such as Carlos Cuadras and Srisaket Sor Rungvisai, have further cemented his legacy.
Srisaket Sor Rungvisai (Thailand)
Srisaket Sor Rungvisai, born in 1986, is a two-time WBC super flyweight champion known for his power and rugged fighting style. His breakthrough came in 2017 when he defeated Roman Gonzalez in a major upset to capture the WBC title. He repeated the feat later that year, knocking out Gonzalez in a rematch. Sor Rungvisai’s relentless aggression and power have made him a force to be reckoned with in the division.
Sor Rungvisai’s journey to boxing prominence is a story of perseverance and resilience. Coming from humble beginnings in Thailand, he worked as a garbage collector before pursuing a career in boxing. His success in the ring is a testament to his hard work and determination. Sor Rungvisai’s fighting style is characterised by his relentless pressure and ability to absorb punishment while delivering powerful shots. His victories over Gonzalez and Estrada have solidified his place among the greats of the super flyweight division.
Jiro Watanabe (Japan)
Jiro Watanabe, born in 1955, was a dominant force in the super flyweight division during the 1980s. He held the WBA and WBC super flyweight titles, successfully defending them multiple times. Known for his technical skills and punching power, Watanabe was a complete fighter who could outbox and overpower his opponents. His reign as champion helped elevate the profile of the super flyweight division and inspired a new generation of Japanese fighters.
Watanabe’s career was marked by his ability to adapt and excel in the ring. His technical prowess and ring intelligence allowed him to dominate his opponents and maintain a long reign as champion. Watanabe’s impact on Japanese boxing was significant, as he became a national icon and inspired future champions like Naoya Inouye.
Gilberto Roman (Mexico)
Gilberto Roman, born in 1961, was a two-time WBC super flyweight champion known for his technical skills and defensive ability. Roman held the title from 1986 to 1989 and again from 1990 to 1991. His bouts with fellow greats like Santos Laciar and Sugar Baby Rojas showcased his ability to outbox and outthink his opponents. Roman’s consistency and skill set him apart as one of the premier fighters in the division during his era.
Roman’s career was characterised by his exceptional defensive skills and ring IQ. He had a knack for making his opponents miss and capitalising on their mistakes. Roman’s rivalry with Santos Laciar produced some of the most exciting fights in the super flyweight division, with each bout showcasing his technical mastery.
Hiroshi Kawashima (Japan)
Hiroshi Kawashima, born in 1970, was a dominant figure in the super flyweight division during the 1990s. He held the WBC super flyweight title from 1994 to 1997, successfully defending it six times. Kawashima’s technical skills and tactical acumen made him a difficult opponent for anyone in the division.
Kawashima’s rise to the top was marked by his disciplined approach and meticulous preparation. Known for his precision and ability to outthink his opponents, Kawashima’s fights often showcased his strategic brilliance. His title defences were marked by his ability to adapt to different styles and impose his game plan on his opponents. Kawashima’s success in the ring and his contributions to Japanese boxing make him a standout in the super flyweight division.
Vic Darchinyan (Armenia)
Vic Darchinyan, born in 1976, was a powerful and unorthodox southpaw who captured titles in multiple weight classes, including super flyweight. He held the IBF and WBC super flyweight titles, making him one of the most successful fighters in the division. Known for his aggressive style and knockout power, Darchinyan’s bouts were often exciting and unpredictable.
Darchinyan’s career was marked by his unique fighting style and ability to deliver explosive knockouts. His southpaw stance and unorthodox movements made him a difficult puzzle for opponents to solve. Darchinyan’s victories over fighters like Cristian Mijares and Jorge Arce showcased his power and ability to dominate elite competition.
Johnny Tapia (USA)
Johnny Tapia, born in 1967, was a five-time world champion known for his charismatic personality and tumultuous life outside the ring. Tapia held the WBO and IBF super flyweight titles, showcasing his exceptional skills and fighting spirit. His battles with fighters like Danny Romero and Paulie Ayala were epic encounters that highlighted his resilience and determination. Tapia’s ability to overcome personal demons and succeed in the ring made him a beloved figure in boxing.
Tapia’s life was marked by personal struggles, including drug addiction and legal issues, but his performances in the ring were nothing short of spectacular. Known for his lightning-fast hands and defensive skills, Tapia’s fights were often thrilling affairs. His rivalry with Danny Romero was one of the most heated in the super flyweight division.
Fernando Montiel (Mexico)
Fernando “Cochulito” Montiel, born in 1979, was a versatile and skilled fighter who captured titles in multiple weight classes, including super flyweight. Montiel held the WBO super flyweight title and successfully defended it multiple times. Known for his technical skills, power, and adaptability, Montiel’s ability to compete and succeed in different weight classes showcased his talent and dedication. His victories over top contenders and his long career established him as one of the best super flyweights of his era.
Montiel’s career was marked by his ability to adapt to different weight classes and maintain a high level of performance. His technical proficiency and power made him a formidable opponent for anyone in the division. Montiel’s victories over fighters like Jhonny Gonzalez and Hozumi Hasegawa highlighted his versatility and ability to rise to the occasion.
Conclusion
The super flyweight division, though often overshadowed by heavier weight classes, has produced some of the most skilled and exciting fighters in boxing history. These ten super flyweights have showcased a combination of speed, power, and technique that has thrilled fans and left an indelible mark on the sport. Also, check out the list of top 10 best flyweight boxers of all time.
