Part of boxing training is making sure you have the right equipment for the job, and that begins with boxing gloves. But what determines the best boxing gloves for your fight?
Are there ones that are better for heavy bag training versus sparring with a partner? And how do you know which size, weight, and features are most important when finding the ideal fit?
In this blog, we’ll take you through the differences in boxing glove weight, when the time is best to size up, and other factors to consider when on the search for your next pair.
How to Choose the Right Boxing Gloves for Sparring
Why Boxing Glove Weight Matters for Training and Protection
Boxing gloves sizes matter to protect the hands, knuckles, and wrists while also preventing injury from overextension or strain when throwing punches. Too light and it can throw off your balance; too heavy and it can quickly cause injury.
The benefit of weighted boxing gloves on your hands means increasing the endurance of your punches. Not only will you be able to crank up your volume of punches, but the speed at which you deliver those punches will be much faster.
When it's time to spar with a partner, that's when you move up boxing glove sizes to the heavier gloves. These sparring gloves have a more substantial amount of padding, which will protect your partner when you land those intense blows.
Therefore, all boxing glove sizes and weights make a difference and are impactful. It’s how you intend to use them that matters most.
The Benefits of Weighted Gloves in Different Training Stages
The heavier the boxing gloves, the more foam padding they contain. This helps to reduce strain and injury when training and competing by absorbing the impact of punches.
Depending on your boxing glove size, 10-oz. and 12-oz. gloves can be good for all-around usage. Lighter boxing gloves can be used for hitting pads, heavy bag work, shadow boxing, and general training with a sparring partner.
The lighter gloves can help you with quickness and precision while giving you enough padding to protect the hands. It’ll also help as you improve your form and technique.
On the other hand, when heavier gloves are used for pad or heavy bag work, repetitive blows with 14-oz. or 16-oz. gloves aid in developing your strength and endurance, which translates to increased power and faster hand speed.
What Size Boxing Gloves Should You Use for Heavy Bag Training?
In addition to considering the purpose of how you’ll be using your gloves, it’s also key to consider your physical size when choosing boxing glove weight.
Typically speaking, the heavier you are, the heavier the glove. However, a beginner fighter may want to go lighter to begin with or an experienced fighter may want to go heavy even if they are at a lower weight class. However, it’s not uncommon for boxers to have multiple pairs on hand depending on the activity.
For example, for a person under 6-foot, and in the 140-pound range, it would be smart to grab a lighter pair of gloves, between 10 and 12 oz., for pad or heavy bag workouts. Then, if necessary, add a heavier pair of gloves for partner drills and light technical sparring.
On the flip side, for a person who weighs in at 200 pounds and up, it’s better to opt for a pair of 14- or 16-oz. gloves. Since there can be quite a difference in the sizes and weights in between, consider these standard boxing glove weight estimations:
- < 126 lbs. = 12-14-oz. gloves
- 127-160 lbs. = 14-16-oz. gloves
- 161-180 lbs. = 16-18-oz. gloves
- 181 lbs. and over = 18-oz. gloves
Another thing to consider beyond your weight class is the size of your hands. If you have a large hand circumference, make sure your boxing gloves fit snugly but aren’t too small.
Measure your hand at the knuckles to get accurate sizing and size up if you’re between sizes. You’ll want room to comfortably form a first. A hand circumference guideline to follow is:
- 6 to 7.5 inches for small gloves
- 7.5 to 8.5 inches for medium gloves
- 8.5 to 9.5 inches for large gloves
- 9.5 inches and above for extra-large gloves
So, when considering what oz. gloves do boxers use, the answer is all. The bottom line is finding the right boxing gloves is based on a number of factors. Though starting with the size and weight of boxing gloves gives you a good starting point before diving into factors like materials, quality, and features.
Boxing Gloves for Bag Work and Heavy Bag
When focusing on bag work, choosing the right gloves can make a significant difference in your performance. Lighter gloves, typically in the 10-12 oz. range, are the go-to choice for heavy bag training. These gloves allow for quicker punches, improving both speed and precision. Additionally, they provide enough protection to safeguard your knuckles and wrists from the repetitive impact associated with heavy bag sessions.
What Size Boxing Gloves Should I Use for Heavy Bag Training?
When it comes to heavy bag training, the size of your gloves plays a crucial role in both protection and performance. Boxers who weigh under 160 lbs. often find 10-12 oz. gloves ideal for speed and agility. For those over 160 lbs., it’s recommended to use 14 oz. gloves or heavier, providing more protection while also helping to build endurance through added resistance.
Best Boxing Gloves for Training
The right gloves for training depend largely on the type of training you’re doing and your overall goals in boxing. Whether you’re working on improving technique, building endurance, or preparing for a fight, the weight and size of your gloves play a key role in your performance and protection.
For heavy bag training, gloves in the 10-14 oz. range are typically ideal. These gloves offer a balance between speed, precision, and protection. For example, Floyd Mayweather, known for his speed and technique, often uses 10 oz. gloves during heavy bag sessions to focus on his quick, sharp punches and footwork. This allows him to perfect his rhythm and speed while ensuring his hands are still protected. Fighters who are building endurance or working on increasing power, such as Anthony Joshua, may opt for 12-14 oz. gloves. These heavier gloves provide more resistance, building strength with each punch and offering greater wrist support during extended bag work sessions.
When it comes to sparring, heavier gloves—usually in the 14-18 oz. range—are recommended to ensure both you and your partner are adequately protected. For instance, Canelo Álvarez, a heavy hitter, uses 16 oz. sparring gloves to protect his partner and reduce the impact of his powerful punches during practice. The added padding in these gloves helps absorb the impact and minimizes the risk of injury, allowing for more intense training sessions without causing harm. For lighter fighters like Vasyl Lomachenko, 14 oz. gloves are typically sufficient, providing a balance between protection and mobility.
It’s also worth noting that many boxers, including top athletes, use multiple glove sizes depending on their training focus. You might use lighter gloves for bag work and pad drills, just as Gervonta Davis does when he works on his speed and precision, and switch to heavier gloves for sparring sessions to prioritize protection. This versatility in glove choices helps develop all aspects of your boxing skills, from speed and technique to power and endurance.
For those searching for the best boxing gloves for training, consider the size, weight, and type of training you’ll be doing most often. Professional boxers have shown that using the right gloves for each type of training can enhance performance and protect against injury, especially when alternating between light and heavy gloves.
Punch Bag Gloves: What to Look For
Choosing the right gloves for punch bag work is crucial for protecting your hands while allowing for effective training. Punch bag gloves are typically lighter than sparring gloves, as the focus in bag work is often on speed, precision, and endurance. Gloves in the 10-12 oz. range are commonly recommended for hitting the punch bag because they provide enough padding to protect your hands from the repeated impact, while still being light enough to promote faster, sharper punches.
Take Manny Pacquiao, for example, who is known for his explosive speed and powerful combinations. When working on the heavy bag, Pacquiao often uses 10 oz. gloves, allowing him to train for rapid, high-volume punches without sacrificing hand protection. This balance between lightness and padding allows him to build precision and quickness, while still absorbing the impact from each punch.
Another important feature to look for in punch bag gloves is solid wrist support, something boxers like Deontay Wilder rely on when delivering his famously powerful punches. The extra support ensures that his wrist remains stable during intense bag sessions, preventing injury from the force of his strikes.
Durability is another factor top athletes consider when selecting punch bag gloves. For instance, Gennady Golovkin, who frequently puts in hours of bag work, uses gloves made from high-quality leather to withstand the repetitive impact and intense force he generates. High-quality gloves are essential for athletes who train regularly, as they ensure that their hands are well-protected while the gloves remain intact through frequent, intense sessions.
Boxers searching for punch bag gloves should focus on finding gloves that balance speed, comfort, and protection, just like elite fighters. Whether you’re building speed like Pacquiao or power like Wilder, the right gloves will help improve your overall bag work performance, allowing you to train longer and harder without compromising on safety. Choosing the wrong gloves could limit your progress and even lead to injuries, so be sure to select gloves that are designed specifically for the demands of punch bag work.
Hayabusa T3D Boxing Gloves
Hayabusa T3 Boxing Gloves
Hayabusa S4 Boxing Gloves
T3 Kanpeki Boxing Gloves
Hayabusa Boxing Gloves: Superior Protection for Every Fighter
Regardless of your chosen glove size, Hayabusa Boxing Gloves provide the same superior protection for every style in the collection.
The Dual-X™ Closure System provides an adjustable fit, keeping a boxer's hands and wrists properly aligned. Meanwhile, the Fusion Splinting™ technology keeps your wrists aligned to avoid injury.
We’ve also engineered a layered complex of technology foams called Deltra-EG™. This Hayabusa-exclusive complex incorporates several technologies to provide an unmatched level of protection with every punch.
If all Hayabusa Boxing Gloves are made with the same advanced craftsmanship, then how do you know which to choose? Sometimes it boils down to feeling.
Some consider 10-oz. and 12-oz. boxing gloves as the best boxing gloves for heavy bag workouts because they like how they help them hone their technique and the speed of their strikes.
Others like to train with 16-oz. or 18-oz. gloves because they like the additional weight as they prepare for competition or even as they level up to their next phase of boxing training. Everyone has their own preferences, and throughout a boxer’s journey, it’s normal to switch sizes as needed.
Don't know what you prefer? No problem! Hayabusa T3 Boxing Gloves all come with a 90-day "no questions asked" guarantee because we know you need the right size boxing gloves for the right job and we'll make sure you get them.
