What Gloves Do Most Boxers Wear?

Gloves are not just a piece of equipment when it comes to boxing, they are part of the culture, safety and performance. The right pair of gloves can protect not only your hands but also your opponent during sparring or fights. With so many types and brands out there, boxers choose gloves based on comfort, protection, boxing gloves weight and purpose. In this blog we will go through the types of gloves most boxers wear and why they choose them, with a mix of technical and personal.

1. Training Gloves: The Everyday Go-To

Training gloves are the most worn gloves by boxers during training. These gloves offer a balance of protection and performance, good for heavy bag work, mitt training and shadowboxing. Most professional and amateur boxers have a pair of well-padded training gloves in their gym bag for daily training.

• Popular Choices: Sting Sports Evolution Pro, Everlast Pro Style, Ringside Apex, Cleto Reyes.
• Weight: 12 to 16 oz, heavier gloves (14-16 oz) for extra padding.

Training gloves have become popular because they can withstand repeated use without compromising hand safety. Many boxers also use these gloves to build endurance since the extra boxing glove weight requires more effort over time.

2. Sparring Gloves: Safety and Comfort First

Sparring is one of the components of boxing and for this reason, boxers wear sparring gloves to minimize contact hazards to themselves. Competition gloves lack the extra thick padding on the knuckles as opposed to the ones used by sparers during training exercises. It teaches techniques that actually don’t involve the payout of moments or hurting the partner one is training with.

• Popular Brands: Viper Sparring Glove Velcro, Victory, Special edition Twins, Championship.
• Weight: It weighs between 14 to 18 oz, depending on the kind of sparring they have going for it.

An opponent’s choice is based on comfort while wearing the gloves. A lot of boxers refer to them as part of their hands so they manage to build muscle memory without having to affect their feel or the way they throw their punches. This is also personal experience. Many boxers have a preference for the brand of gloves that they find comfortable during their training.

Read More: From Sparring to Training: How to Choose the Best Boxing Gloves

3. Competition Gloves

When engaging in a bout, boxers use competition gloves which are recommended for a boxer's weight and the governing body. It brought out these gloves fit for quick and accurate movement as opposed to the traditional heavy and bulkier ones. Even though amateurs and professionals wear competition gloves, the padding of these types of gloves differs somehow.

• Amateur Gloves: Have more cushioning to minimize physical risks, most specifically applied by Olympic boxers.
• Professional Gloves: Less cushion to maximize force impact which is employed in expert matches.
• Popular Brands: A battle between one man and two women: Sting Sports IBA Competition, Cleto Reyes, Grant and Everlast Elite.
• Weight Range: 8 to 12 ounces for example; depending on the weight division of the competition.

MMA or competition gloves are very tight fitting; boxers can pack powerful punches through these diminutive creations. MMA fighters are more inclined to use particular brands, because of protection and their functionality in critical moments such as Cleto Reyes known as “puncher’s gloves.”

4. Bag Gloves: Tough Gloves for Heavy Bag Training

Heavy bag work is crucial for building power and perfecting technique. For this, many boxers turn to bag gloves, which are specifically designed for impact resistance. These gloves are lighter and more durable, with denser padding to protect the hands during extended sessions on heavy bags.

• Popular Brands: Sting’s Evolution Pro North Fury Edition, Everlast Powerlock, Hayabusa T3, and Ringside IMF Tech.
• Weight Range: 10 to 14 ounces.

Bag gloves are a popular choice for their hand protection and ability to enhance power punching. Many boxers choose gloves that mold to their hand shape over time, creating a personalized feel that builds confidence during intense workouts.

Top Picks for Boxing Gloves

When choosing the right gloves, several brands and models stand out due to their quality, performance, and popularity among boxers. Here are some top picks for every fighter:

1. Sting IBA Competition Gloves

Weight: guaranteed 10oz weighted gloves
Material: premium leather outer layer
Closure: Velcro
Best For: professional and intermediate boxers

Sting Competition Leather Boxing Gloves are precision designs made according to IBA guidelines. Featuring precise weight management technology with 50/50 weight distribution and 3-inch wrist strap for secure fit and added wrist protection.

2. Winning Training Gloves

Weight: Available in 10, 12, 14, and 16 oz
Material: Leather
Closure: Lace-up
Best For: Serious competitors

Winning gloves are favoured by many professional fighters for their exceptional craftsmanship and comfort. They feature ample padding, ensuring maximum protection for both the wearer and their sparring partner. The lace-up design allows for a customizable fit, making them a preferred choice for serious training and competition.

3. Title Gel World Bag Gloves

Weight: 10 oz
Material: Synthetic leather with gel padding
Closure: Velcro
Best For: Heavy bag training

These gloves are specifically designed for bag work and feature gel padding for superior shock absorption. The Title Gel World Bag Gloves provide excellent wrist support and comfort, making them ideal for extensive training sessions.

4. Hayabusa T3 Boxing Gloves

Weight: 12, 14, and 16 oz
Material: Synthetic leather
Closure: Velcro
Best For: All-around training

The Hayabusa T3 gloves are known for their innovative design and technology. They incorporate a dual-closure system that ensures a secure fit and wrist support, making them suitable for various training types. The multi-layered foam padding offers exceptional shock absorption, providing maximum protection for your hands.

5. Ringside IMF Tech Sparring Gloves

Weight: 14 and 16 oz
Material: Synthetic leather
Closure: Velcro
Best For: Sparring sessions

For sparring only these gloves feature IMF (Injected Molded Foam) technology for great protection without being too big. Lightweight and durable, perfect for sparring partners who want to train safely and effectively.

Explore More: The Top 10 Gloves for Boxing or Muay Thai

Conclusion: Gloves as a Boxer’s Best Friend

The gloves a boxer wears play a big part in every aspect of their journey from daily training to career-defining fights. Boxers invest time and effort in finding the perfect pair that fits their needs, style and goals. Whether it's the comfort of Winning sparring gloves, the power of Sting Sports competition gloves or the durability of Sting’s bag gloves each pair serves a purpose.

In the end, boxing gloves are more than just protection; they are a badge of honour for a fighter. Every boxer amateur or pro develops a personal relationship with their gloves; they trust them to make them better and protect their most valuable asset, their hands.

Discover the finest boxing gear available online at Sting Sports, including headgear, Olympic boxing gloves, and anything else you need to prepare for your upcoming bout.