Boxing Gloves Information

Written by Conlon Boxing

Boxing gloves come in different styles and weights, and are often worn over hand wraps, which help stabilise the fist area against injuries. Speed gloves are relatively light vinyl or leather mittens primarily designed to protect the athlete's hands against scrapes and contusions when doing very light bag work such as on a stand-mounted speed bag. Bag gloves are cushioned to protect the athlete against the progressively heavier focuses of striking other punching bags; these are the gloves most recommended by trainers for all boxing training, especially for non-sparrers. Sparring gloves are designed to protect both athletes during practice bouts. Professional fight gloves are also designed to protect both athletes, but are generally less padded. Sparring gloves may range from 14oz to 20oz, while bag gloves, amateur and professional fight gloves range from 8oz to 10oz.

In competition gloves are laced up and then sealed with tape before the match. The tape is then signed by an official to ensure that it is not tampered with. However training gloves usually use velcro rather than laces so that athletes can more easily get their gloves on and off.

Gloves used in amateur boxing are frequently red or blue, with a white "scoring area" to help judges more easily see and record points. Many athletes train with heavier gloves than they will use in competition as a way to increase endurance.