Boxing gloves are padded gloves worn by boxers for training and during matches. They serve various purposes:
Protection: The primary purpose of boxing gloves is to protect both the user's and the opponent's hands from injury. Padding helps absorb and distribute the force of punches, reducing the risk of cuts, bruises and broken bones.
Fairness: Gloves help ensure a level playing field by standardizing the impact of punches. Without gloves, the hardness and size of a fighter's punches can vary significantly, leading to unfair advantages.
Regulation: Boxing gloves are regulated by various governing bodies such as the World Boxing Association (WBA) and the International Boxing Federation (IBF). These organizations set standards for the weight, size and construction of gloves used in professional matches to ensure safety and fairness.
Hand Speed: While gloves add weight to the hands, they can also increase hand speed through training. By conditioning with heavier gloves during training, boxers can develop greater speed and power when using lighter gloves in competition.
Impact Distribution: Padding in boxing gloves distributes the force of a punch over a larger area, reducing the likelihood of serious injury to both the striker and the opponent.
Modern boxing gloves typically consist of a padded area to protect knuckles and fingers, a wrist strap for support, and a thumb insert to prevent thumb injuries. They come in a variety of sizes and weights, with heavier gloves providing more protection but potentially reducing hand speed. Glove selection depends on factors such as the boxer's weight class, skill level, and personal preference.