How Heavy Are Boxing Gloves (& Why Does The Weight Matter)

If you wonder how heavy are boxing gloves? The answer may surprise you. Most boxing gloves weigh between 8 and 12 ounces. 

The weight of the glove depends on the size and weight class of the boxer.

For example, a lightweight boxer may glove up with eight-ounce gloves. However, a heavyweight will wear between ten and twelve ounces.

How Heavy Are Boxing Gloves – Ounces Table 

When you think of boxing, you might imagine two burly men throwing punches at each other with all their might.

You might not realize that there are different weight classes in boxing, and each one requires different gloves.

The heavier the gloves, the more protection they offer to the hands and wrists.

– 8 oz – Lightweight boxers (up to 135 lb)

– 10 oz – Cruiserweights (up to 175 lb)

– 12 oz – Heavyweights (over 175 lb)

As you can see, the weight of the gloves increases with the boxer’s weight class.

This is because heavier gloves offer more protection to the hands and wrists.

Are There Any Boxing Gloves Lighter Than 8 Ounces? 

Yes, there are boxing gloves that weigh less than eight ounces.

Children or amateur adults typically use these gloves. 

They are not meant for professional use. They do not offer enough protection to the hands and wrists.

The length of your hands does not necessarily indicate the weight of gloves you should be using.

It is more about the weight class you will be boxing in.

For example:

A heavyweight boxer may have smaller hands than a lightweight boxer. But he will still need to wear heavier gloves.

Are There Any Boxing Gloves Heavier Than 12 Ounces? 

Yes,  there are boxing gloves that weigh more than twelve ounces. Larger adults or professional boxers typically use these gloves. 

They offer more protection to the hands and wrists. They are essential for professional boxers who need to spar with other professionals.

They usually range from 14 ounces up to 20 ounces.

– 14 oz – Professional boxers (up to 205 lb)

– 16 oz – Professional boxers (up to 225 lb)

– 18 oz – Professional boxers (up to 265 lb)

– 20 oz – Professional boxers (over 265 lb)

While there can be some variation, these are generally the weights of gloves used by professional boxers.

As you can see, the weight of the gloves increases with the boxer’s weight class.

This is because heavier gloves offer more protection to the hands and wrists.

Importance Of Weights By Ounces

The weight of the gloves is very important for boxers. Let’s take a look at why.

1. 8 Ounces: Light Weight:

The eight-ounce gloves are most commonly used in the lightweight division.

The weight of these gloves is not too heavy, so boxers can throw punches with speed.

2. 10 Ounces: Medium Weight:

The cruiserweight division usually uses gloves that weigh ten ounces.

Usually, these gloves have more padding than the eight-ounce gloves. They are used by boxers who need more protection for their hands.

3. 12 Ounces: Heavy Weight:

The twelve-ounce gloves are used in the heavyweight division. Boxers who use these gloves use them for sparring or for fights.

They need the extra padding to protect their hands from the impact of punches.

4. 14, 16, 18 and More Ounces: Professional Weight:

The fourteen-ounce gloves are used by professional boxers. They are not that common because few boxers fight at this weight.

The gloves offer more protection to the hands, and they are usually used by larger boxers.

What Affects The Weight Of Boxing Gloves? 

The weight of boxing gloves is affected by several factors such as:

1. Size Of The Glove:

The most crucial factor is the size of the glove. The larger the glove, the heavier it will be.

Some typical sizes are mentioned above, i.e., 8, 10, and 12 ounces. However, you will also find 14, 16, 18, or even 20 ounces gloves.

2. Weight Class Of The Boxer: 

The boxer’s weight class is another factor that affects the weight of the boxing glove.

For example, a heavyweight boxer will need a heavier glove than a lightweight boxer. 

3. Material Of The Glove: 

The material of the glove also affects its weight.

Gloves made with leather are usually heavier than those made with synthetic materials. 

Likewise, gloves filled with padding will be heavier than those that are not. That means lining affects the weight of boxing gloves.

4. Level Of Protection: 

The level of protection offered by the glove is also a factor. Gloves that provide more protection will be heavier than those that do not.

The thickness of the padding usually indicates the level of protection. 

5. Type Of Boxing: 

The type of boxing affects its weight.

For example, sparring gloves are usually heavier than those used in competition.

Now let’s discuss how much weighted are different types of gloves:

1. How Heavy Are Sparring Gloves?

Sparring gloves are usually heavier than competition gloves.

Approximately they are of 14 to 16 ounces. 

This is because they need to offer more protection to the hands and wrists.

Sparring can be very vigorous activity. You don’t want to get hurt because you are wearing too light gloves.

2. How Heavy Are Competition Gloves?

Competition gloves are usually lighter than sparring gloves.

Approximately they are of 8 to 12 ounces. In competition, you cannot hit your opponent with as much force as you would in sparring.

Therefore, there is no need to wear heavy gloves.

3. How Heavy Are Bag Gloves?

Bag gloves are usually lighter than both sparring and competition gloves.

Approximately they are of 8 to 10 ounces. When you are hitting a bag, you are not hitting another person, so you don’t need to worry about injuring them.

That’s why you can get away with wearing lighter gloves.

4. How Heavy Are Training Gloves?

Training gloves can be of different weights depending on what you are using them for.

If you are using them for general training, they can be 8 to 12 ounces. 

However, if you are using them for sparring, they will be 14 to 16 ounces. 

5. How Heavy Are Boxing Gloves For Kids?

Boxing gloves for kids are usually lighter than those for adults.

Approximately they are of 4 to 6 ounces. This is because kids don’t have the same strength as adults.

Therefore, they don’t need to wear such heavy gloves as 8-12 ounces.

6. Gender Of The Boxer: 

The gender of the boxer is also a factor that affects the weight of boxing gloves.

For example, women’s gloves are usually lighter than men’s gloves. This is because women don’t have the same strength as men.

Women usually use gloves that are of 8 to 10 ounces. At the same time, men can use heavier gloves.

Why Does The Weight Of Boxing Gloves Matter? 

The weight of boxing gloves is significant because it affects:

1. Amount Of Protection: 

The heavier the gloves, the more protection they will offer.

That’s why it’s essential to choose the correct weight of gloves.

But if you go for heavier than recommended for your gloves, it will decrease the speed of your punches.

It can also hurt your wrist if you are not used to it.

2. Speed Of Punches: 

The lighterthe gloves, the faster your punches will be.

If you go for lighter than recommended gloves, it will decrease the amount of protection.

You may not perform as well if you do not use the correct weight of gloves.

3. Ability To Throw Punches: 

The heavier the gloves, the more difficult it will be to throw punches. The increased weight will make your arms tired more quickly.

If you are not used to it, it can also affect your accuracy.

4. Accuracy Of Punches: 

The lighter the gloves, the more accurate your punches will be. Heavier gloves can make you more likely to miss your target. 

Thus, it is crucial to choose the correct weight of gloves.

5. Reaction Time: 

The heavier the gloves, the slower your reaction time will be.

This is because it takes longer for your brain to process information with heavy weight.

Likewise, the lighter the gloves, the faster your reaction time.

6. Wrist Support: 

The heavier the gloves, the more support they offer to your wrists. This is because the increased weight makes it more challenging to move your wrists. 

As a result, your wrists are less likely to get injured.

7. Punching Power: 

The heavier the gloves, the more punching power you will have. But if you go for too heavy of gloves, it will decrease your speed and accuracy. 

Punching power is essential if you want to knock out your opponent.

How To Choose The Right Weight Of Boxing Gloves?

The weight of boxing gloves you should choose depends on:

– The activity you will be using them for

– Your weight

– Your strength

– Your experience level

If you are a beginner, it is better to start with lighter gloves and gradually increase the weight.

A professional boxer should choose the weight of gloves depending on the activity.

Moreover, if you are a heavyweight boxer, you should wear heavier gloves.

But if you are a lightweight boxer, you should go for lighter gloves.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, the weight of boxing gloves is usually between 8 to 12 ounces.

However, there are lighter and heavier gloves. Such as 4 to 6 ounces for kids and 14-16 ounces for heavyweight boxers.

The weight of boxing gloves matters because it affects:

– The amount of protection

– Speed of punches

– Accuracy

– Reaction time, etc.

Thus, it is essential to choose the correct weight of gloves depending on:

– The activity you use them for

– Your experience level

– Your gender

– Your weight, etc.