Professional boxers typically employ gloves weighing either 8 ounces or 10 ounces during competition. These gloves are an essential piece of equipment, designed to protect the hands of the boxer and, to a lesser extent, the opponent. For example, in lighter weight divisions, such as flyweight or bantamweight, fighters generally use 8-ounce gloves. As the weight classes increase, for example, in the welterweight or middleweight divisions, 10-ounce gloves are standard.
The selection of glove weight is crucial for both safety and competitive strategy. Lighter gloves permit faster hand speed and can potentially increase the frequency of punches landed. Heavier gloves offer enhanced protection, mitigating the risk of hand injuries for the boxer. Historically, the use of gloves in boxing evolved from bare-knuckle fighting to provide a degree of safety and to standardize the sport. Regulatory bodies like athletic commissions often mandate the specific glove weight to be used in a particular fight, ensuring fair play and reasonable safety standards are observed.
