Protective Boxing Gear is necessary for boxing, whether you’re a beginner or an advanced boxer.
From the mouth guard to headgear to groin protector and beyond, it’s important that you know what type of gear is best for your training needs.
However, there are many different types of protective gear for boxing on the market. Most aren’t created equal, with some being far superior to others.
This article will walk you through all aspects of essential protective Boxing Gear that you should come equipped with each time you step into the ring.
Protective Boxing Gear
Boxing Gloves
Boxing gloves are obviously one of the important things which every boxer should have.
The best boxing gloves help reduce the impact on the opponent thereby cutting down on the chances of external cuts and bruises.
They also protect the boxer from an awkward or hard impact. In addition, the type of gloves depends on the purpose for which they are going to be used!
Moreover, boxing gloves can be divided into two parts- those used for training (for practicing using punching bags) and those used for amateur or professional fights.
When choosing boxing gloves, one needs to consider the following aspects:
Sparring or bag gloves
Both types of gloves have different purposes. Bag gloves protect the fighter and not the surface with which he/ she strikes.
On the other hand, sparring gloves protect the fighter and the opponent. Ideally, everyone must carry these two different pairs of gloves whenever they begin boxing
Weight of the Boxing Gloves
Depending on the type of gloves, the weight of the boxing gloves varies from 8 ounces to 16 ounces.
The heavier the gloves, the more would be the strain on shoulders and arms, and slower would be the swing, but, a better impact.
To begin with, ideally, 12-ounce gloves are best suited for punching. Also, as fighters move up the ladder in skillset and intensity, they can move to heavier gloves.
Size of Boxing Gloves
When we talk about size, the most ideal size is that which fits the hand tightly, but at the same time, it is spacious enough to allow the hands to breathe and the blood to flow.
The hands should completely enter the gloves and the fingertips should touch the top lining.
Material Used for Boxing Gloves
Due to the nature of the sport, it is advisable to always go for leather. The best quality gloves available currently are made up of cowhide leather.
These gloves are durable and do not wear out easily. However, they cost some money.
On the other hand, synthetic gloves are a budget-friendly option, which is also good but tends to wear out easily.
Meanwhile, for the padding, cotton, polyurethane, or horsehair is used. For sewing, the glove, double-threaded nylon should be used.
Velcro or Laces
Depending on the purpose for which the glove would be used, the fighter can make a choice between Velcro and laces.
For bag punching, Velcro gloves would be ideal. However, for high-intensity fights, laces are more of an asset.
Boxing Hand-Wraps
Along with the gloves, boxers also wear hand wraps for boxing which protect them from joint damage and fractures. These hand wraps are made up of cotton and are 120 to 180 inches long.
Boxing Mouthpiece
To protect the teeth and also to ensure that the boxer does not accidentally bite his/ her tongue during fights, a mouthpiece is used.
A mouthpiece is something that should be custom-made so that it fits perfectly since boxers have unique individual dental patterns.
Boxing Headgear
Headgear or the boxing helmet helps protect the fighter from scars and cuts. These helmets are important as they reduce the impact of the punches on the head which is one of the most delicate parts of the body.
In addition, choose a headgear that can fully protect your nose and facial features as these are the most vulnerable parts when training and getting into matches.
Boxing Groin & Chest Protection Equipment
Punches to the groin are not allowed as per the boxing rule. However, time and again, such blows are received by the boxer accidentally.
With groin protection equipment, kidneys, groins, lower abdomen, and liver are saved from the punches.
For women, it is important to wear chest equipment to protect the breasts & the rib-cage area.
That being said, you should never compromise on investing in the best body protectors to ensure safety when training and fighting whether you are a beginner or pro, or a male or female boxer.
Final Words
In order to avoid injuries while boxing or fighting, boxers have to wear the right protective Boxing Gear.
Boxing gloves, headgear, mouthguards, and other essential protective equipment protect your hands, face, mouth, and other vulnerable parts of your body.
They cushion the impact from punches and kicks, distribute weight evenly throughout your arms and legs and minimize the chances of a serious injury.
You’ll find everything you need to know in this article about protective Boxing Gear equipment. I hope you find it helpful.
