If you were ever curious about boxing glove weight, what size gloves do different boxing weight classes use, or what oz boxing gloves should I get – then this is the post for you.
Boxing Glove Weight and Sizes – Key Takeaways
- Boxing gloves come in various sizes and weights, from 6oz. youth mitts to 20oz. heavyweight gloves. The size of gloves you should use depends on your weight and hand measurements as well as what you’ll be using them for – boxing training, sparring, or ameture/professional bouts.
- Different size gloves are usually used depending on the boxing activity – generally speaking:
- sparring gloves are usually 16oz
- training gloves can be 16/14/12oz (depending on your preference) – however at my gym most people prefer training in 12oz gloves
- finally gloves for an ameture or pro fight are usually 10oz or 12oz
- For beginners, who only want to purchase one pair of gloves, I’d recommend going with 16 oz boxing gloves (but again try different sizes out – if you prefer to train in smaller gloves thats fine too)
- On top of choosing the correct glove weight, you should always take proper hand measures – see section below on how to do that
- For training, see the below generally recommended boxing glove size:
How Heavy Are Boxing Gloves?
Simply put – glove weight correlates to the level of padding incorporated in the gloves.
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Standard weights typically fall within the range of 10 to 16 ounces, although there are always excpetions (which I will get into further down this post).
A good general rule for training gloves is that if you’re under 120lbs you might do better with 12 to 14 ounce gloves. If you’re closer to 150-180lbs you may want to go heavier with 14-16 oz gloves.
However, for sparring, regardless of your body weight, it’s recommended to go for gloves weighing a minimum of 16 ounces for your safety and that of your sparring partner.
Why Are Boxing Gloves So Heavy?
So now, why are boxing gloves so heavy, unlike other sports gear that’s typically designed for agility and maneuverability?
Boxing gloves are so heavy to offer protection in boxing training whether your training invovles hitting the heavy bag, mits, or sparring, wou want to have your hands as protected as possible.
Aside from protection, heavier gloves also add some weight to the glove which can help which some believe can help with muscle endurance, punching power, and strength.
3 types of boxing that involve different glovesare:
- Training or bag work: Gloves used primarily for training or bag work tend to be heavier (usually in the ballpark of 16 oz.), offering more padding and hand protection.
- Sparring: Sparring gloves may measure the same in ounces but have increased cushioning to protect both fighters from heavy impacts.
- Ameuter or Professional fights: On the contrary, gloves used in professional fights can be lighter (often in the range of 8 – 10 oz.), as they require less padding.
Another factor you should be aware of that contributes to the weight of boxing gloves is the material they’re made from. Genuine leather is typically heavier than synthetic materials like vinyl.
What Size Glove Should You Wear?
Typically, your height, weight, and hand circumference are the key factors in finding the best gloves for you.
Hand cirumference – probably the largest factor in determining glove size:
- to measure your hand circumference use fabric tape or a piece of string
- Wrap this around your open, dominant hand, just below your round knuckles, so it meets in the middle of your palm.
A tip on comfort – boxing gloves should fit like how a well-rounded tailored suit fits, neither too snug nor too loose.
Standard boxing glove sizes fall between 10oz – 20oz, however, this does not suggest a ‘one size fits all’ approach.
A key rule to remember is “The bigger the glove, the harder the workout“. So, for heavy bag training or fitness classes, consider 16oz gloves providing good wrist support and hand protection for a tougher workout.
What Size Gloves Should a Beginner Get?
Our recommendation for the best sparring gloves for a beginner are 16oz gloves, purely because their extra padding offers protection against hand injuries.
If there’s one tip for beginners, I’d recommend trying to focus on the fit more than the weight.
When I first started boxing and was hitting my heavy bag in my garage, I was using these tiny 10 oz gloves. When I finally signed up for a boxing class I remember feeling like I had pillows tied to my hands when using their rental 16 oz gloves, but eventually I bought my own pair of glvoes that fit much better, and soon preferred training in 16 oz gloves.
Again, common sizes for beginners are 12oz, 14oz, and 16oz. While these might seem heavy initially, training your hands to bear this weight has its advantages.
What Sizes Gloves Should You Spar With?
Generally speaking, boxers should spar with gloves that weigh 16 ounces or more. This size is considered safe, as it offers extra padding to protect both yourself and your sparring partner.
While the unanimous recommendation for sparring gloves is 16 ounces or more, it is not uncommon for that fighters weighing more than 180lbs wear gloves weighing 18 or 20 ounces.
However, our recommendations are hardset rules, and the final decision should be based on your own comfort and protection.
What Size Gloves Should You Train With?
Typically, the recommended sizes range between 12-16 ounces depending on the boxer’s weight and the intensity of training. It’s common amongst lighter or beginner boxers to train with 12-ounce gloves as they offer a good balance of protection and speed.
Meanwhile, boxers who weigh more or go all out with heavy bag training sessions may prefer 16-ounce gloves. The main advantages of using heaiver gloves are:
- First, they offer significantly more padding hence protecting your hands better while punching the dense heavy bags.
- Second, when you switch to lighter gloves for a match, your hands will feel significantly lighter and faster.
However, always make sure that before settling on a particular glove size for your training, it feels comfortable, and your hand isn’t crammed up. Also, check to ensure that the gloves maintain a snug fit even after being broken in.
14 or 16 oz Gloves for Heavy Bag?
In general, I’d recommond going with 16 oz gloves for heavy bag training.
I have training partners who prefer 12 oz or 14 oz, but the majority of the peopel at my gym train with 16 oz gloves. Also I’d recommned any beginner go with 16 oz gloves as well for the extra protection.
Boxing Glove Size by Weight Class
Fighters in the lighter weight divisions such as flyweight, bantamweight or featherweight typically utilize gloves weighing between 8oz to 10oz as you get up to super lightweight and beyond, you’ll see fighters using heavier gloves – see our chart below for a breakdown:
Glove Weight Based on Rules and Regulations
When it comes to professional matches there are specific rules on regulations when it comes to glove sizes.
For professional matches, gloves weighing 8oz to 10oz are common, based on the weight classifications of the fighters (seee above).
Gloves weighing 8oz are typically used in light flyweight to welterweight classes. In contrast, 10 oz gloves are used in light middleweight to heavyweight classes.
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Interestingly, amateur boxing has even more stringent rules, often requiring 10oz gloves for light flyweight to light welterweight divisions, and 12oz gloves for welterweight and above classes.
How to Take Measurements to find the Right Size Boxing Glove
To measure your hand, you can use a fabric tape measure. Wrap it around the fullest part of your hand, just below your knuckles. If you don’t have one, use a string then measure it against a ruler.
Once you’ve determined where the tape crosses, note the measurement. This figure in inches is the measurement you will use when inspecting glove sizing charts (see below chart from Title boxing):
Finding the right boxing glove size can be a bit of trial and error. Brands may slightly vary in their measurements. Start with this measurement, then experiment with a few different glove styles and brands.
Side note: Your hand wrapping method can also influence glove fit. Check that your preferred method of wrapping fits comfortably within your chosen gloves. And don’t forget to take into account the potential of breaking-in. Much like a shoe, boxing gloves can become more comfortable and suitable to your hand shape with constant use. Keep the initial tightness in mind, don’t let it dissuade you from what seems like a perfect fitting glove.
What If the Glove Sizes Vary Between Brands?
Boxing glove sizes may, unfortunately, vary betwen brands.
I’ve noticed that gloves from Cleto Reyes fit more snug on my hand than gloves from Winning. So I recommend trying out different brands to see which ones fit your hand better.
What Are the Different Types of Gloves (and Glove Equipment) in Boxing
Handwraps
Handwraps are the silent warriors of a boxer’s arsenal but they are very necessary.
They provide a protective layer over the boxer’s knuckles, wrists, and hands during training or fighting.
Before wearing gloves, it’s crucial to always wrap your hands properly. It helps prevent injuries resulting from repeated punching, such as fractures or sprains.
Different types of handwraps are available in the market.
- From traditional cotton handwraps
- to Mexican style handwraps that offer elasticity
- For someone aiming for speed and quick turnaround time, there are also speed wraps or gel wraps that are easy to don and remove.
If you want to learn the best way to wrap your hands wraps check out the video below:
Bag Gloves
Simply put, bag gloves are worn when hitting the heavy bag or speed bag.
Bag gloves are typically more lightweight, often ranging between 8 to 14 ounces (but again, this will come down to preference. Also many prefer much lighter gloves for spped bag work.
Remember that bag gloves aren’t suitable for just any boxing regimen. They shine in speed bag or heavy bag training, where speed and accuracy are the keys to unlocking your full potential.
Sparring Gloves
Sparring gloves are designed solely for sparring and usually come with extra padding. Such gloves are often heavier due to the added padding and range from a weight of 16oz upwards.
One advantage of these gloves is that they prepare the boxer for a real competition as they mimic the real fighting scenario. For instance, when transitioning from training to actual fights, sparring gloves help prepare boxers by adapting their hands to the kind of weight they’ll be dealing with in a ring.
Professional Gloves
Professional gloves are used for official boxing matches. The fighters and the sanctioning body should agree on the gloves to be used.
The gloves often weigh between 8oz and 10oz (depending on weight calss). Professional gloves are structured rather compactly, to both protect a fighter’s hands while not being too bulky.
These gloves generally come in a lace-up design, which offers a secure and snug fit (usually moreso than velcro).
Boxing Mitts
Finally, we have boxing mitts, more commonly known as focus mitts, are used for training basic combinations and techniques.
They’re designed to be worn by boxing coaches, trainers, or even your sparring partner as targets for their students or partners to hit. The primary function of boxing mitts is to help boxers perfect their punches, aiming, technique, and footwork:
A side note: It’s not just about owning a pair of focus mitts – it’s about using them efficiently. A competent trainer knows how to move the mitts to mimic real-life punches in boxing. The trainer also guides boxers in improving their footwork.
Boxing Gloves Breakdown By Weight
6 oz Gloves
6oz gloves are typically used for children and youth boxers.
They are the smallest and lightest in the range of boxing gloves. The padding in these gloves is reduced due to their light weight, but they still provide decent protection.
Side note, in competitive youth matches, the mandated glove weight is often in the range of 8-10 oz, depending on the age and weight class of the fighters.
8 Oz Gloves
Next, let’s take a look at 8 oz gloves. This size is typically relevant for fighters in professional matches, specifically those in the welterweight division (147 lbs) and below.
The lighter padding results in harder punches, causing more damage to the opponent. These gloves are not recommended for bag work or sparring at your local gym.
Again, predominantly used by professional boxers in lower weight divisions, 8 oz gloves afford the advantage of faster, crisper punches due to their lightweight nature.
Finally, due to their lighter padding, there’s an increased chance of injuries to one’s hands during heavy bag workouts or sparring sessions. Therefore, these gloves are infrequently used in regular training routines but remain reserved for sanctioned professional fights.
10 Oz Gloves
10 oz gloves are typically used in professional and amateur fights in lighter weight divisions.
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The size of these gloves also makes them ideal for hitting pads or focusing on fast-paced punches.
Some relevant research shows that 10 oz gloves reduce the force of impact by only ~40%, compared to a bare fist.
These gloves have been known to be used by famous boxers including Floyd Mayweather and Canelo Alvarez. For those who are prioritizing speed and punch intensity in their style, 10 oz gloves are worth considering.
Side note: Younger boxers, especially those under age 10, may prefer 8 or 10 oz gloves for their training routines, due to their smaller hand size and weight.
12 Oz Gloves
Now we are getting to the more commonly used gloves in training as well as professional fights.
For those who prefer a balance between speed and protection, 12 oz gloves make a solid choice. Some of my training partners prefer to use 12oz gloves for training.
They are slightly heavier than 10 oz gloves, providing a balance between hand protection and punching power. They are pretty suitable for a wide range of activities – from heavy bag workouts, sparring to mitt work.
Even heavyweight boxers such as Tyson Fury have been reported using 12 oz gloves during training sessions.
14 Oz Gloves
Next, 14 oz gloves seem to hit the sweet spot for many, serving as the jack-of-all-trades.
These gloves’ extensive usability makes them popular among novices and seasoned boxing enthusiasts alike. This size lands right in the middle of the full boxing glove size scale, which starts from 6oz youth mitts and extends to heavy 20oz gloves.
Is 14oz suitable for sparring? The answer is yes, for light sparring. These gloves are substantial enough to protect both you and your opponent from getting hurt during light sparring sessions.
However, for regular or intense sparring, it’s usually recommended to switch to a heavier glove, such as 16oz, as a precautionary measure for optimal protection.
16 oz Gloves
16oz boxing gloves, colloquially known as the “big guns,” are probably the most commonly used gloves in intensive training or sparring sessions.
Designed for those in the heavyweight spectrum, these gloves contain a substantial amount of padding to provide an efficient cushion against attacks. The added weight compared to lighter boxing gloves helps to better protect both the user’s hands and the opponent on the receiving end of the punches.
16oz gloves are not just meant for heavy sparring sessions, they can also be a solid asset during your training. For boxers looking to increase their endurance and strength, these gloves are the way to go.
Special Considerations for Amateur and Professional Boxers
Amateur and professional boxers alike have to carefully consider which size of boxing gloves they should use, as this affects not only performance but also safety.
In amateur boxing, gloves usually range from 10 to 16 ounces depending on the class under which a match falls. The fighters under the light welterweight class usually use 10 oz gloves.
In contrast, fighters within the welterweight through super heavyweight divisions prefer heavier gloves weighing 12 oz with more padding for better protection.
As for professional boxing, the 8 oz to 10 oz glove range is more popular.
Welterweight fighters and below commonly don the 8 oz gloves, while those in the super welterweight and higher classes opt for 10 oz gloves.
Related Frequently Asked Questions
How Heavy Are Mike Tyson Gloves?
Mike Tyson, is known to use gloves weighing around 16 oz. for his regular training sessions.
Using relatively heavier gloves in training is quite a common strategy and has been used by many accomplished boxers. The purpose of doing so is to optimize the strength and speed of punches when they eventually switch to lighter gloves during professional fighting bouts.
During actual fights, Tyson uses gloves that were lighter in weight – typically around 10 oz.
How Heavy Are Mayweather’s Gloves?
Floyd Mayweather seems to favorite glvoes from Grant.The ones he wears are usually 10 oz.
Mayweather’s boxing style is likely complemented perfectly by these lighter gloves. The decreased weight allows for speedier punches, which in turn, compensates for the slight decrease in punch impact due to the lighter weight.
What Is The Recommended Weight For Sparring Gloves?
Arguably the most widely recommended weight for sparring gloves stands at 16oz. This weight plays a key role in ensuring that both fighters can deliver their punches while still maintaining a level of safety.
Remember, the aim of sparring is to learn and develop your boxing skills, not to injure your partner. So, when considering glove size for sparring, make sure to prioritize safety over power or speed.
What About Professional Boxing Glove Weights?
The gloves used in a professional fight tend to be lighter than gloves used in training. The most commonly used glove sizes in professional boxing matches are 8 oz or 10 oz.
The choice between the two depends largely on the weight class of the boxers. Lower weight classes (up to 147 pounds) often use 8 oz gloves, while those in heavier divisions use 10 oz gloves. For instance, great fighters like Muhammad Ali and Mike Tyson were known for using the latter during their fights.
Can The Weight Of Your Boxing Gloves Affect Your Training?
The weight of your boxing gloves can definitely influence your training effectiveness and boxing technique.
- Heavy gloves can help develop endurance, as the extra weight requires more effort to keep your hands up and throw punches.
- Lighter gloves, on the other hand, can help work on your speed and technique. .
Importance of Hand Size in Choosing Boxing Gloves
Even if the weight of the glove is perfect for your requirements, your gloves could still be uncomfortable if they don’t fit your hands well. The size of your fingers, breadth of your palm, and the length of your thumb can all affect how well your glove fits.
Roomy gloves just offer less control, increase the risk of gloves slipping, and may result in injuries. Too tight gloves, on the other hand, decrease blood circulation, which can lead to fatigue and cramps.
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