Gloves are an iconic part of the sport of boxing, a tool that's used so often it can be a symbol of the sport -- such as on the signs or in the advertising of boxing gyms. Somebody asking whether they are for sparring or for bags needs to also ask another question, often surprising for the uninitiated: What sort of gloves?
Purpose of Boxing Gloves
Boxing is about punching an opponent to score points or literally knock him unconscious. Although gloves provide a modicum of protection for the boxer being hit, their main purpose is for protecting the hands wrapped in the glove. Since your hands are at risk during sparring and competition, from this perspective the answer is "for both."
Boxing Glove Weights
Boxing gloves come in different weights that represent how much protection and padding the glove has. Standard ranges are 10 to 20 oz. Professional fights usually use the 10-oz. gloves, trusting the skill of the fighters to provide protection. During a sparring match, a "pillow fight" using 16- to 20-oz. gloves is more common. Weights between 12 and 16 are the most used in amateur competition. In terms of weight, choice when sparring is about the safety of you and your opponent. For bag work, your choice boils down only to what you find most useful and comfortable.
Gloves on the Bag
Working a punching bag with bare hands will chew up your hands in short order. The rough surface will skin your knuckles while the pounding will leave your hands sore for days. Boxing gloves protect your hands during a session of bag work. For these purposes, lower weights work well for speed and precision -- but heavier weights can actually turn your bag session into a resistance workout.
Bottom Line
Boxing gloves are for both sparring and bag work. But you will have different priorities and considerations when participating in one activity vs. the other. The gloves you choose to spar will probably be different from the ones you choose when working the bag -- assuming you have two or more pairs available.
References
- Bill Packer; Kickboxing Coach (dec); Bad Company Fight Team; Albuquerque, New Mexico
- Boxing Gyms: About Boxing Gloves
Member Comments