Unboxing a pair of new boxing gloves is an exhilarating experience. The adrenaline rush, the vibrant colors, and the sturdy exterior make the hearts of boxing enthusiasts skip a beat. However, these modern gloves didn’t appear overnight. They have a rich history that dates back centuries.
Ancient Origins of Boxing Gloves
The first depictions of gloves in boxing can be traced back to 1500 BC. However, these gloves were quite different from what we use today. They were usually just straps of leather tied around the hand for minimal protection.
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Over time, gloves evolved to become more substantial and comfortable. Today, boxing gloves are specially tailored to meet your needs. They are durable, lightweight, and help minimize effort, allowing you to focus on your technique and performance.
The Invention of Modern Gloves in 1743
The credit for inventing modern boxing gloves goes to Jack Broughton in 1743. Initially, these gloves were used for self-defense instruction classes, involving punching bags and padded walls. Broughton’s design, called mufflers, was inspired by the ancient Greek ‘cestus,’ but with added padding. Interestingly, the padding consisted of either lamb’s wool or horsehair, which helped soften the blows.
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The first recorded use of Broughton-style gloves in a competitive fight took place in October 1818 in France. The media described the two champions as being built like Hercules, entering the ring with their hands protected by huge padded gloves.
The Influence of the Marques Queensberry Rules
In 1867, the introduction of the Marques Queensberry Rules marked a significant milestone for boxing gloves. With these rules, gloves became mandatory and were officially recognized in 1892. The gloves used were skintight and weighed only two ounces. This style of gloves remained popular until the end of the century. The last fight using two-ounce gloves was between Jimmy Briggs and Tony Daly in 1903.
The Impact of Boxing Gloves in the USA
American heavyweight fighter John L Sullivan played a pivotal role in popularizing boxing gloves. He fought the first gloved heavyweight championship against James J Corbett in 1892. Both fighters used five-ounce gloves, and Corbett emerged victorious in the 21st round with a knockout.
The Luis Resto Incident of 1983
The Luis Resto incident in 1983 highlighted the dangers of using unpadded gloves in boxing. Resto, a junior-middleweight fighter, inflicted a terrible beating on the undefeated Billy Collins using tampered gloves. Resto’s trainer, Panama Lewis, had removed the padding from the gloves by soaking the hand wraps in Plaster of Paris, making them harder and more dangerous.
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Collins suffered a torn iris, permanently blurring his vision and ending his boxing career. Tragically, he died a few months later in a car accident while driving under the influence. Many believe that his loss of livelihood drove him into a downward spiral, leading to his untimely death. This incident prompted the New York State Boxing Commission to change the rules, ensuring such an event would never occur again. Resto’s win was also changed to a no contest.
What to Consider Before Buying Boxing Gloves
If you’re captivated by the history of boxing gloves and eager to unbox your own pair, there are a few factors to consider before making a purchase.
- Weight: The weight of gloves has increased for safety reasons and now varies between 8 and 10 ounces. If you’re buying gloves for training, opt for hard-padded gloves that are more suitable for punching bags and reduce the risk of injury.
- Features: Familiarize yourself with the design, padding, durability, material, and intended use of the gloves you’re interested in.
- Padding: Gloves typically use horsehair, foam padding, or a combination of both. Foam padding gloves, which include shock absorbers, are the most common. Horsehair gloves last longer but provide less protection.
- Types: Boxing gloves come in two types: lace-ups and Velcro. Velcro gloves offer additional stability to the wrist, while lace-up gloves provide a secure fit that often requires assistance from another person. Lace-up gloves can be converted into Velcro gloves with a hook and loop converter.
- Price: The price of boxing gloves can range from $35 to $500. A good pair of gloves typically costs around $100, depending on factors such as material, brand, and intended use.
- Color: The color of boxing gloves is usually restricted to red or blue for amateur boxing matches, with a white scoring area at the knuckles for judges to record points for proper punches.
Lastly, it’s worth investing in high-quality hand wraps to stabilize the fist area. Hand wraps are just as important as gloves and are typically made from cotton, available in either 120-inch or 170-inch sizes.
Now that you have a deeper understanding of the history and features of boxing gloves, you can confidently embark on your quest to find the perfect pair. Enjoy the feeling of unboxing these padded treasures and customize them to add a personal touch to your boxing journey.
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