In the sport of boxing the athlete's hand is the most important weapon, and the most likely part of the body to be injured. Due to the injuries that a boxer may sustain to his hands, several types of boxing gloves within the sport provide different levels of protection during training or an actual match. Two types of gloves can be used during practice: sparring gloves and bag gloves.
History
From boxing's meager beginnings, boxers were known to have worn leather strips around the wrist sometimes adorned or filled with metal named cesti. As the sport became more popular and violent, bloody matches became more common, the need for protection for the fighter and his opponent became more important. Through developments in hand and wrist protection, sparring gloves and bag gloves evolved. Mainly composed of a leather covering a foam padding, the focus is to provide a high level of protection to both participants.
Sparring Gloves
The sparring glove and bag glove serve two separate and distinct purposes within the sport of boxing. The sparring glove is mainly used for practice matches called sparring sessions. The glove consist of leather encasing a dense layer of foam that covers the hand and thumb which is sewn to together to create a fist. The sparring glove also features an elongated cuff to protect the wrist. Sparring gloves can come with Velcro or lace closure systems.
Bag Gloves
Bag gloves are used to hit the heavy bag and speed bag. Similar in construction to sparring gloves, bag gloves are composed of leather covering a foam padding that protects that tiny metacarpals of the hand from injury. The differences between the two types of gloves exist in the fact that bag gloves are lighter in weight, and feature an unattached thumb and no cuff around the wrist. Bag gloves are typically held on by an elastic band that runs across the back of the glove.
Size
Bag gloves range from 8 to 14 oz. depending on the styling with the more padded version weighing more. Sparring gloves can weigh anywhere from 12 to 20 oz. with the weight depending on the user. Most often heavier fighters that punch harder choose the heavier weight gloves to build endurance and raise the layer of protection that they are receiving during a sparring session.
Considerations
While the type of closure incorporated by the sparring glove does not interfere with it's protection, the type of glove you choose will change your ability to put them on yourself. Also the usage of sparring gloves involves boxing hand wraps. Made of strips of woven cotton, the hand wraps are wrapped around the hand and woven between fingers to add another layer or protection during practice situations.
Warning
Despite the protection that the gloves provide, the hand or wrist can still be injured due to an improperly thrown punch. Care should be taken to learn proper form.
Member Comments