What is the most distinctive symbol of boxing? Undoubtedly, it is the boxing gloves. Whenever the word “boxing” is mentioned, the image that immediately comes to mind is a person wearing a pair of round gloves striking out. Many are unaware of the history of boxing gloves. Indeed, leather boxing gloves were used in ancient Greek contests, crafted to improve striking force and even enhanced with iron inserts for greater lethality. For much of boxing’s history, gloves were absent. Even during the early days of modern boxing in 18th-century England, boxers fought ungloved. It wasn’t until 1847 that Broughton, often regarded as the father of modern boxing, introduced modern boxing gloves to minimize injuries. Wearing gloves during matches then became standard practice. Over the more than a century of professional boxing, gloves have evolved significantly, developing numerous variations.
Many people believe that the primary function of boxing gloves is to protect the opponent. In reality, while boxing gloves can cushion the impact between bones and provide some protection to vulnerable areas such as the eyes and nose, their primary purpose is to safeguard the hands. This is because human finger bones and wrists are much more fragile than the skull. Without gloves, hands are more susceptible to injury. In the era of bare-fisted boxing, boxers often hesitated to unleash their full power, knowing that a hand injury could cost them a significant portion of the match. However, with the protection of boxing gloves, boxers are emboldened to deliver their full force, enhancing the entertainment value of the match!
Classification Of Boxing Gloves
When it comes to boxing gloves, there are a few different types you might come across. There are the simple, lightweight “bag gloves”. These are the ones you might use if you’re just hitting a bag or doing some light training. They don’t have much padding, just enough to protect your hands a bit.
Then, there are the training gloves. These are the ones you’ll want if you’re doing some serious training or sparring. They’re thicker and have better padding to protect your hands and your opponent. You don’t want to hurt your sparring partner too much, right?
Next up, there are the competition gloves. These are the gloves you’ll see pro boxers use in fights. They’re smaller and have less padding so you can really pack a punch. But, they require some skill to use without hurting yourself. You gotta know how to use them properly.
Of course, there are also gloves specifically designed for children and women. The children’s gloves are smaller to fit their hands and softer to keep them safe. The women’s gloves are usually lighter and more comfortable, but still provide good protection.
Sometimes, you’ll also come across specialty training gloves. These gloves have some extra features like extra wrist support or special padding. They’re used for specific training exercises to help you improve your skills.
And finally, if you want gloves that are made just for you, you can get custom gloves. You can choose the materials, colors, and padding that you want. It’s like having your own personal pair of gloves that fit you perfectly.
Materials And Specifications Of Boxing Bloves
Boxing gloves are made from a variety of materials that are designed to provide protection, durability, and comfort. The most common material used for the outer shell of the gloves is leather. Leather is a tough and durable material that can withstand the rigors of boxing training and competition. It’s also good at protecting your hands from impact and reducing the risk of injury.
Synthetic leather is another popular material used for boxing gloves. It’s often more affordable than real leather, but it can still provide good quality and protection. Synthetic leather is made to mimic the properties of real leather, so it’s a good alternative if you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option.
The padding inside the gloves is also important, and it’s usually made of a soft, shock-absorbing material like foam or gel. This padding helps to protect your hands from impact and reduce the risk of injury to your opponent. The amount of padding can vary depending on the type of gloves you’re using, with competition gloves having less padding and training gloves having more.
The lining of the gloves is another important material to consider. It’s usually made of a soft, breathable material like cotton or mesh to keep your hands cool and comfortable during training. Some gloves may also have additional features like antimicrobial treatments to prevent bacteria growth and odor.
Lastly, the closures of the gloves, such as the laces or Velcro straps, are also important. They need to be strong and durable to keep the gloves securely on your hands during training.
Boxing gloves come in different specifications, mainly based on their weight. The weight is usually measured in ounces (oz), and common glove weights include 6oz, 8oz, 10oz, 12oz, 14oz, and 16oz. Each weight is designed for different types of boxers and different types of training or competition.
For instance, lighter gloves like 6oz or 8oz are typically used by smaller boxers or for beginners who are just starting to learn the basics. These gloves are lighter and allow for faster movement and more precise punches, which can be helpful for developing technique.
Heavier gloves like 10oz, 12oz, 14oz, or even 16oz are used by more experienced boxers who need more protection during training or competition. These gloves have more padding, which helps reduce the impact of punches and prevents injuries.
In professional boxing matches, the glove weight is usually determined by the boxer’s weight class. For example, boxers who weigh less than 147 pounds may use 8oz gloves, while boxers who weigh more may use 10oz gloves. This ensures that the gloves provide adequate protection while still allowing the boxers to move and punch effectively.
Boxing Gloves Maintenance
Taking care of your boxing gloves is important to ensure they last a long time, provide adequate protection, and stay clean and hygienic. Here are some key steps and tips for maintaining your gloves:
After each use, make sure to let your gloves dry out completely. This will prevent moisture and sweat from lingering inside the gloves, which can cause bacteria and mold to grow. You can use a fan or a drying agent to help speed up the drying process, just make sure the gloves are completely dry before storing them away.
It’s also a good idea to change and wash the hand wraps that you use inside your gloves regularly. These can get sweaty and dirty just like the gloves themselves, so keeping them clean will help keep your gloves fresh and hygienic.
For cleaning the gloves themselves, you can use a soft cloth with a little water to wipe down the outside of the gloves. Be careful not to scrub too hard, as you don’t want to damage the material or any decorative details on the gloves. For the inside of the gloves, you can use a glove disinfectant or a diluted vinegar solution to wipe down the interior. This will help kill bacteria and eliminate any odors. If the gloves have a particularly strong odor, you can also use an alcohol wipe, but make sure the alcohol is completely evaporated before using the gloves again.
If your gloves are machine-washable, you can wash them in a low-temperature, gentle cycle with a non-abrasive, low-sudsing detergent. Just make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for washing and avoid soaking the gloves in water for too long, as this can damage the internal structure and padding of the gloves.
To keep your gloves in good condition, avoid storing them in direct sunlight, as this can cause the leather to harden and damage the coating on the surface of the gloves. Instead, store them in a well-ventilated area that’s out of direct sunlight. You can also use a leather conditioning oil to keep the leather from drying out and cracking. Just make sure to use the right amount of oil, as too much can leave a greasy residue.
Make sure to inspect your gloves regularly for any signs of wear and tear, such as fraying leather or worn-out padding. If you notice any damage, it’s time to replace the gloves to ensure they’re still providing adequate protection. And of course, even if your gloves aren’t damaged, you’ll need to replace them eventually as they wear out over time. By taking good care of your gloves, you can extend their lifespan and get the most out of your investment.
How to Wear Boxing Gloves
Stretch the gloves out fully so the lining is smooth. Make sure you know which side is the front—it usually has a logo or design.Gently slide your hands into the gloves, making sure your fingers go into the right spots. It should feel comfy, not too tight or loose.Move the gloves around so the padding is right over your palms and the backs of your hands. This gives you the best protection.Use the straps (usually around your wrist and thumb) to tighten the gloves. Make sure they’re snug but not too tight—you don’t want to cut off your circulation.
The gloves should fit close to your hands but not be sliding around.You should be able to move your fingers freely.The gloves should feel good; no pinching or discomfort.
What Brand Of Boxing Gloves Is Good?
LIBERLUPUS:The Liberlupus boxing gloves offer a solid combination of protection, comfort, and convenience at an affordable price. With their three layers of foam padding, they provide excellent shock absorption, making them a good choice for those looking to protect their hands and wrists during training.
RDX:Famous for their handcrafted leather gloves, offering a puncher’s feel with less padding. Great for competition.Suitable for serious training sessions, including sparring and focused practice with mitts and pads.
RDX Boxing Gloves Men Women, Pro Training Sparring, Maya Hide Leather Muay Thai MMA Kickboxing
Cleto Reyes: Famous for their handcrafted leather gloves, offering a puncher’s feel with less padding. Great for competition.
CLETO REYES Training Gloves with Leather Strap & Attached Thumb and Hook & Loop Closure
Everlast: Offers a wide range of gloves from entry-level to professional. Good for beginners.
Hayabusa:The boxing gloves are ideal for beginners, offering a balance of comfort, protection, and durability. Made from PU leather with a breathable mesh palm, they feature a pre-curved ergonomic design, splinted wrist support, and padded knuckles. Available in 10 oz to 16 oz sizes, these gloves are perfect for boxing, kickboxing, MMA, and martial arts training.
Fairtex: Ideal for Muay Thai and kickboxing, known for versatility and durability.
Venum:This gloves are likely designed for beginners or those looking for a quality entry-level option. The semi-leather construction offers durability and comfort, while the multi-density foam ensures good shock absorption.
Ringside:The mesh palm keeps your hands cool, making them ideal for sparring, bag work, and intense training in boxing, MMA, or Muay Thai. Available in various colors, they offer a high-calorie-burning workout.
Ringside Apex Flash Sparring Gloves, IMF-Tech Boxing Gloves with Secure Wrist Support
Title Boxing: Offers a variety of gloves for different levels, known for affordability and reliability.
Sanabul:The Sanabul Essential Gel Boxing Gloves are a popular choice among fighters across various combat sports for several reasons. Endorsed by MMA champions such as Michael Bisping, Max Holloway, Sean O’Malley, and Gilbert Burns, these gloves are engineered for durability and protection.
