HomeWHATThe Best Boxing Gloves for Professionals: A Fighter's Perspective

The Best Boxing Gloves for Professionals: A Fighter’s Perspective

I used to be a National Champion amateur boxer and professional heavyweight fighter, and I still train and coach aspiring boxers. With my experience in the ring and as a coach, I can provide unique insights into the best boxing gloves for your boxing journey.

Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced boxer, having high-quality gear is essential. In this article, I’ll give you my recommendations for different situations you may encounter in a boxing gym. I’ll break it down by glove style, purpose, and price.

The Importance of High-Quality Boxing Gear

Regardless of whether you’re an amateur or professional boxer, or simply using boxing workouts to get in shape, having a high-quality pair of boxing gloves is crucial. Many lists out there are created solely for affiliate commissions and lack the expertise of a real fighter or coach.

I want to provide you with timeless recommendations based on my experience. I’ve devoted a lot of space to teaching you how to select gloves for sparring, training, or hitting the heavy bag. Even if you don’t choose my recommendations, I want to ensure you don’t end up with low-quality gloves.

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Boxing Gloves Material: Real Leather, Polyurethane (PU), and Vinyl

Boxing gloves are made from different materials such as real leather, polyurethane (PU) leather, and vinyl. Real leather gloves, particularly those made from cowhide leather, are the gold standard. They are durable, resistant to smells, and can last a fighter’s entire career with proper care. Winning Boxing Gloves are a top-quality option in this category, but they come with a high price tag starting at $350.

Polyurethane (PU) leather gloves are the most common synthetic material used in boxing gloves today. They are cost-effective, durable, and provide flexibility, comfort, and aesthetics. Rival RS 100 Series gloves are a great choice in this category.

Vinyl gloves are inexpensive and easy to maintain, but they are less durable and comfortable compared to real leather or PU leather gloves. They can accumulate unpleasant smells and are more prone to cracks. It’s important to note that vinyl gloves may not withstand heavy bag workouts.

Considerations when Choosing Boxing Gloves

When selecting boxing gloves, there are a few factors to consider:

Glove Weight and Size

The weight and size of your gloves depend on your training needs. Sparring gloves are typically heavier and provide more protection, while bag gloves are lighter and have less padding to focus on skill development. The most common weights for sparring gloves are 16 oz and 18 oz.

Padding in the Boxing Glove

The padding in boxing gloves is crucial for protecting your hands and your training partner. Make sure the gloves have sufficient padding to prevent injuries during sparring or heavy bag workouts.

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Closure Style

Boxing gloves come in two types: lace-up and velcro/hook and loop closure. Lace-up gloves provide excellent wrist support and a snug fit, but they require assistance to put on. Velcro gloves are quick to put on and take off, making them suitable for solo training sessions.

Best Sparring Gloves

When it comes to sparring gloves, the top recommendations are:

Winning Pro Gloves

Winning boxing gloves are considered the best in the business. However, they come with a high price tag and do not offer affiliate commissions. These gloves are known for their superior quality, durability, and comfort.

Rival RS 100 Series

Rival RS 100 Series gloves are my personal preference for sparring. They provide a great fit, durability, and protection. The angled laces ensure a tight tie without excessive force. These gloves offer a balanced combination of comfort and force transmission.

Cleto Reyes

Cleto Reyes gloves have a reputation for feeling more like sparring gloves when you’re hit by someone wearing them. They are made with high-quality leather but are known to have slightly less wrist support compared to other options.

Best Bag Gloves

For bag workouts, the top recommendations are:

Winning Velcro Gloves

Winning gloves are the best in the business. They offer excellent protection, durability, and comfort. However, they come with a higher price tag.

Rival RB2 Super Bag Gloves

Rival RB2 Super Bag Gloves are my personal favorite for bag workouts. They provide an ideal balance between size, protection, and support. These gloves are easy to put on and take off, and they don’t hold sweat or odors.

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Venum Bangkok Spirit Nappa Leather Boxing Gloves

Venum Bangkok Spirit gloves are a more affordable alternative to the Rival RB2 gloves. They offer a secure fit and good wrist support. However, they have slightly more padding in the fist, which may affect the sound of punches.

Best Affordable Boxing Gloves

If you’re on a budget, there are options available for under $50. Keep in mind that these gloves may not be suitable for high-level training but can serve as an introduction to the sport. Some recommended brands in this price range are RDX, Everlast, and Title Boxing.

Best Gel-Hand Protection/Wrist Support

For added hand protection and wrist support, consider using gel handwraps. The Everlast Evergel Handwraps provide extra padding and are easy to use with a velcro strap. They offer a snug fit and durability, although they come at a higher price compared to traditional cloth wraps.

Conclusion

This list is based on my experience as a high-level amateur and professional heavyweight boxer. While my recommendations are not exhaustive, they come from a fighter’s perspective. Whether you choose my recommendations or seek advice from other fighters or coaches, make sure to invest in high-quality boxing gloves that suit your training needs. Protect your hands, protect your training partners, and enjoy your boxing journey.

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