8, 10 or even 16 ounces? - The different weights of boxing gloves
FightMag by PAFFEN SPORT takes a look at the different boxing glove sizes that are used in the different weight classes.
The boxing gloves are every boxer's instrument - and yet there are big differences, especially in the weight of the punching tools. Not only between amateur and professional boxing, but also between the different weight classes in boxing. FightMag by PAFFEN SPORT takes a look at the different glove sizes in boxing.
Boxing glove weight in professional boxing
In professional boxing, athletes from strawweight to welterweight, i.e. weighing between 47.62 and 66.67 kilograms across eleven weight classes, wear boxing gloves weighing eight ounces, which corresponds to approximately 226.8 grams. The gloves become heavier from half-middleweight upwards. The weight increases to ten ounces, which is approximately 283.5 grams. Heavyweights such as Tyson Fury also box with this size, so gloves weighing ten ounces are worn in six weight classes in total.
Boxing glove weight in Olympic boxing
The situation is different in amateur Olympic boxing: Here, the boxing gloves are slightly heavier and - for safety reasons - have more padding. In men's boxing, the AIBA, the International Amateur Boxing Organisation, stipulates that gloves weighing ten ounces must also be worn from half flyweight (49 kilograms) to half welterweight (64 kilograms). From welterweight (69 kilograms) and up to super-heavyweight (91 kilograms and above), the sports equipment must weigh twelve ounces, i.e. around 340.2 grams. The women and juniors, on the other hand, fight with ten ounces in each weight class.
Weight of boxing gloves in training and sparringIn training and sparring, boxers often use heavy gloves - up to 16 ounces are not uncommon, even among professionals. Most heavyweights even choose 18 or 20 ounce gloves. The extra weight not only achieves a certain training effect, but also better protects the partner from the impact of the punch during sparring.
Conversion table from ounces to grams
An ounce is approximately 28.35 grams. The following table shows the weight of common boxing glove sizes in ounces and grams.
- 1 ounce = 28.35 grams
- 8 ounces = 226.80 grams
- 10 ounces = 283.50 grams
- 12 ounces = 340.19 grams
- 14 ounces = 396.89 grams
- 16 ounces = 453.59 grams
- 18 ounces = 510.29 grams
- 20 ounces = 566.99 grams