How to Choose the Right Size Boxing Gloves for Your Weight Class?

The weight of your boxing gloves depends on your weight, hand size, and the type of boxing you intend to do. Men and women should choose their boxing glove ounce based on weight class instead of gender and age. 

​Boxing gloves are sized by weight in ounces, which indicates how much padding they have.​ This padding protects your hands when you punch something, like a bag or an opponent. Lighter gloves are good for training because they let you move faster. Heavier gloves, however, offer more protection and are better for sparring or fighting.

How Many Ounces Should Your Boxing Gloves Be?

A standard boxing glove usually weighs 12, 14, or 16 ounces. Beginners should choose a 12 or 14-ounce glove for a safe training experience. Fighters can agree to wear heavier gloves for a specific fight, which offer advanced protection. For a puncher who relies on hand speed, just like Mike Tyson did throughout his career, the extra weight can slow the pace, particularly if the fight stretches into late rounds. The decision varies based on the boxer's weight class and the purpose of using the gloves.

Recommended Glove Size by Boxer Weight

Did you know? Mike Tyson often used 8 oz gloves in his prime fights and heavier gloves, 18 oz in his training, to protect his hands and those poor sparring partners.

Choosing Weight According to Different Types of Boxing Gloves

Boxing gloves come in various types, and each serves a distinct purpose depending on the training or fighting scenario:

Did you know? Fighters often used gloves with minimal padding in the early days of boxing. This increased the risk of serious injuries to themselves and their opponents. The latest ABC regulatory guidelines have greatly improved the safety standards of boxing gloves.

How Much Should a Boxing Glove Fit?

Getting the right fit for your boxing gloves is just as important as choosing the right weight. If your gloves don’t fit well, you could risk injuries, which might impact your performance.

Snug Fit: The gloves properly fit, and they are not too loose nor too tight. 

Finger Position: Your fingertips are reaching reach the end of the glove without feeling cramped.

Hand Wrap Compatibility: The gloves don’t restrict movement even when worn with boxing hand wraps. 

To measure the appropriate size, wrap a flexible tape measure around the knuckles of your open dominant hand. Record the measurement in inches and consult the following size guide:

Historic Milestone: In the 1971 fight known as the "Fight of the Century," both Joe Frazier and Muhammad Ali wore 10oz gloves, which was standard for heavyweight fights at the time.

Final Words

Finding the right custom boxing gloves is important for performance and safety.​ It is about hitting hard and protecting oneself while maximizing results. The right weight, size, and type of glove tailored to individual needs can make all the difference in the ring. Gym owners, fitness clubs, and trainers should also consider purchasing wholesale boxing equipment to protect their athletes effectively during training sessions. Make an informed choice to guarantee protection, durability, and longevity in your boxing journey. 

FAQs 

Are heavier boxing gloves better?

Heavier boxing gloves are generally good because they have more foam padding inside. This extra padding helps absorb the impact of punches, which reduces the risk of strain and injuries. Using heavier gloves can protect your hands and your training partner better.

How many ounces are UFC gloves?

UFC gloves generally weigh between 4 to 6 ounces. This weight strikes a balance between protection and mobility for fighters. For bigger fighters, gloves can go up to 8 ounces. This range helps ensure that fighters can hit hard while reducing the risk of injury.

How much did Muhammad Ali’s boxing gloves weigh?

Muhammad Ali's horsehair gloves weighed 8 oz. As a pro boxer, it is common to have a lighter pair to bag train for speed and a heavier pair to spar with for impact.