Boxing gloves come in different sizes and styles. Each type is suited for a particular purpose. To become a skillful boxer, you must endure the rigorous training of both your mind and body. The fighter who commands his craft does so by utilizing the appropriate tools. Knowing what gloves to use, and for what purpose, will help you improve your overall skills as a boxer.
Training
Boxers typically train in either 12- or 14-ounce gloves. These sizes are sturdy enough to protect a fighter's hands, yet light enough to facilitate the usual maneuvers performed while training. Twelve-ounce gloves are closer, in dimension, to those worn during competition. Wearing them will get a boxer used to properly placing his hands and targeting his punches. The 14-ounce gloves are made for heavier hitting and can endure more hard-handed abuse in the gym. Training gloves may come with tying strings that lace up along the underside of your wrist. Many are constructed with a Velcro-like closure mechanism or elastic band that wraps around the lower forearm.
Competition
The gloves worn by a professional fighter during competition are smaller than those used in the gym. Boxers in the middle and lower weight classes fight in 8-ounce gloves. Fighters who fall within the heavier half of classifications compete in 10-ounce gloves.
Sparring
When sparring, boxers typically wear 16-ounce gloves. The larger gloves provide an added layer of protection against broken bones and lacerations. Very large or powerful boxers may spar in 18- or 20-ounce gloves. Gloves this large are made so that little of the wearer's actual knuckle is felt through the padding, allowing fighters to practice more safely in the gym.
Mexican
With a Mexican-style pair of gloves, more of the padding is contained around the wrist area. This thins and compacts the striking part of the glove, making punches harder and more capable of causing injury. Many power punchers prefer wearing Mexican-style gloves during competition, as they are ideal for cutting an opponent and scoring knockouts.
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