Issue 040

August 2008

When would you use them?

Boxing, or Muay Thai gloves are used for competition in the various striking-based combat sports. Each format will have its own specifications of the type of glove you can use. 

MMA fighters also use boxing gloves when training the striking elements of their game. Despite the closed hand and lack of grip, they can also be used for ground ‘n pound or striker vs grappler drills, or even for full MMA sparring. They are commonly used for bag or pad work. 

Why use them?

Gloves are used for protection when training striking. They reduce injuries to your hands and wrists and to your training partner’s head and face. MMA gloves for competition are much smaller and lighter, but you can’t spar hard day after day in 4oz gloves - or even MMA sparring gloves, which have a little more padding - without picking up an unacceptable number of injuries. 

Key features

Weight 

Boxing gloves come in different weights, most commonly between 8oz and 18oz. The lighter gloves are used for competition. Heavier gloves are more suitable for sparring as the extra padding gives more protection. Heavier fighters will generally require heavier gloves than lightweights. If in doubt as to which weight of glove to choose, speak to your coach or sparring partners.  

Fastening

Traditional competition-style boxing gloves are fastened with laces. These are taped over when fighting, but in training they can potentially cause cuts, especially if you are going to use them for clinch work. You’ll also need to get someone to help you lace them up every time, and bear in mind that for MMA training, you may be changing gloves, or switching between gloves and pads, several times in a session: so not really suitable for a training glove. Velcro, on the other hand, is much more convenient to use, but tends to wear out over time and lose its stickiness.

Thumb

Most boxing gloves come with a ‘thumb attachment’ or ‘thumb-lock’ that holds the thumb in a fixed position. This helps to prevent accidental eye gouges and thumb injuries. Muay Thai-style gloves sometimes have a thumb that isn’t attached to the body of the glove, which allows for more adaptability in clinch (or for working in to wrestling drills), but can leave the thumb more vulnerable if you are careless about making a solid fist. 

Material

Always buy leather gloves. Other materials are available, but should be avoided by anyone remotely serious about their training. As always, check the seams and stitching before you buy.

GENERAL TIPS

Getting the size right

Boxing gloves come in different sizes. Your average bloke will need a large. Women and smaller fighters may be more comfortable wearing a medium. Before being tempted by a smaller size, remember to allow extra space for wrapping your hands. If possible, actually try the gloves on with your hands wrapped. 

Styles of glove

If possible, try on several different styles of glove before buying a pair as they all have a different feel to them. Also, think about what you will be using them for. Remember that if you are using them asa training tool for MMA, you may have different priorities to a boxer when choosing a glove. 

Care and maintenance

Your gloves will last longer if you leave them out to dry after training rather than leaving them to fester in a mouldy training bag. Wipe them down after training and don’t share them with other people.