Description

Boxing gloves are cushioned gloves that fighters wear on their hands during boxing matches and practices. Unlike “fist-load weapons” (such as the ancient cestus) which were designed as a lethal weapon, modern boxing gloves are non-lethal, designed to protect both the opponent’s head and the fighter’s hand during about. Sparring and other forms of boxing training have their own specialized gloves.

Boxing gloves usually come with either lace-ups or velcro. In velcro gloves, the velcro acts as a second-hand wrap that adds more stability to the wrist. Lace-up gloves provide a more snug and secure fit, but unlike velcro gloves, require assistance from another person to lace, and are usually wrapped with tape before the match. Lace-up gloves can be converted to velcro gloves using a hook and loop converter.

Three types of padding commonly used in boxing gloves are horsehair padding, foam padding or a mix of both. Foam padding gloves use latex and PVC foam with shock absorber. Horsehair gloves last longer than foam padding gloves and are environmentally friendly, but are less protective.

In amateur boxing matches, glove color is restricted to red or blue, often with a white “scoring
area” at the knuckles to help judges see and record points from a proper punch.

Boxing gloves are worn over hand wraps, which help stabilize the fist area against injuries such as the eponymous boxer’s fracture of the fifth metacarpal. The hand wrap is usually made from cotton and is available in either 120 inches or 170 inches.