Best Fighting Boxing Gloves: Features to Look For

Fighting boxing gloves range in quality, comfort, and performance. From boxing bag gloves used for training to pro boxing gloves used for competition, knowing what features to look for is important. 

First, consider the differences in boxing glove material for padding, size, and weight. Then, factor in whether you want a lace-up vs. velcro wrist closure, and whether you prefer a leather vs. vinyl exterior.

This blog will cover all the features to consider when deciding on the best boxing gloves. Start with the basics and secure a comfortable fit. Then, settle into the pair that will allow you to perform your best.

Difference Between Horsehair and Foam-Padded Boxing Gloves

When talking about any differences in boxing gloves, it usually comes down to the padding. Whether it’s type, amount, or a designated pro boxing glove weight, every fighter has their preference. 

Horsehair boxing gloves have less padding than foam-padded boxing gloves. Therefore, fighters known for their knockout punches often favor this style. Muhammad Ali famously wore horsehair gloves for his fights to deliver his signature hefty punches. 

Additionally, horsehair boxing gloves absorb sweat easier. Though they are durable, the padding wears down quicker than foam-padded ones because of this.

Can Horsehair Boxing Gloves Be Used for Competition?

Yes. Horsehair boxing gloves are considered the ultimate punching glove. 

They are the recommended boxing gloves for Mexican-style boxing which involves up close, toe-to-toe combat in the ring. However, it’s always best to check the rules of competition for each fight because there may be limitations. 

How Do I Choose a Boxing Glove Size?

Once you’ve decided to go with horsehair boxing gloves, foam-padded, or a combination of both, the next thing to decide is what size will work best. 

When choosing your ideal boxing glove size, pick an option that fits snugly with being restrictive. You also don’t want boxing gloves that are so clunky or heavy that they overwhelm your hands.

To ensure a good fit, start by measuring your hand’s circumference. Generally speaking, the breakdown of hand size to glove fit is as follows:

• 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

However, if you’re on the cusp of two sizes, try on both and see what feels better. Different professional boxing gloves brands may differ slightly in fit. To ensure yours is accurate, refer to the Hayabusa boxing glove size chart.

How Heavy Are Boxing Gloves?

Boxing glove weight is determined by how much padding it has. The more padding, the heavier it will be. 

Weights normally range from 10 oz.-18 oz. and up. Lighter boxing gloves are primarily used for bag work, and boxing sparring gloves are typically heavier.

Body weight also affects how heavy to go with boxing glove sizes. For example, a person who is 120 lbs. should opt for a lighter 12-14 oz. glove to prevent imbalance and avoid injury as they throw and receive punches. Whereas, a fighter who weighs over 180 lbs. is better-suited for heavier 18-oz gloves. 

However, keep in mind, these are only guidelines to help boxers get started in choosing the right size and weight of boxing gloves for fighting.

How Many Oz. Do Pro Boxers Use?

Famous fighters like Mike Tyson and Muhammad Ali used lighter gloves to deliver their punches. Like other heavyweights, Mike Tyson used 10-oz. boxing gloves. While, Muhammad Ali’s horsehair gloves weighed 8 oz.

As a pro boxer, it’s not uncommon to have a lighter pair to bag train for speed and a heavier pair to spar with for impact. Also, in competition, the weight of fighting boxing gloves is based on (body) weight class divisions, so it’s best to get comfortable with the assigned size.

Lace-Up vs. Velcro Boxing Gloves: Which Is Better?

After finding the right padding and glove size, the next factor to consider is wrist support.

Velcro is usually the go-to selection, especially for beginners. These wrist closures are easy to secure and provide enough support and padding necessary for ample protection. 

However, lace-up boxing gloves can be tightened for extra wrist protection without fear of loosening. Pro fighters often prefer this lace-up for competition to keep gloves in place during intense combat. 

With lace-up boxing gloves, you’ll need an extra pair of hands to help you pull and tie the strings tight. But both are great options, so it comes down to individual preference. 

Are Leather Gloves Better Than Vinyl?

Boxing gloves are also made with different exterior materials. The longevity and durability of leather overshadows the weaker staying power of vinyl. 

However, not all leather materials are the same. Since every detail matters when constructing professional boxing gloves, Hayabusa uses the highest quality leather to achieve optimal performance, comfort, and protection.

Battling with the Best Pro Boxing Gloves

Hayabusa has a powerful lineup of award-winning fighter boxing gloves ideal for any professional. Find your perfect fit and style, slip them on, and be ready to fight.

Pro Horsehair Fight Boxing Gloves

Channel Muhammad Ali with Hayabusa’s newest addition to its Pro Boxing Gloves Collection. The Pro Horsehair Fight Boxing Gloves combines horsehair and foam padding to offer the best of both worlds. 

Enjoy comfort and durability with the added layer of horsehair, creating the ultimate puncher’s glove. Also designed with the lace-up enclosure, these premium boxing gloves have been authorized for use by professional and state sanctioned fights.

Pro Boxing Gloves

Deemed an all-time favorite, the Pro Boxing Gloves are traditionally designed with first-class boxers weighing in on their development. Pro fighters love the silky interior lining and pillowy padding for soft, yet solid knuckle protection.

These fighter boxing gloves are crafted with supple top-grain leather and range in sizes from 8- to 20-oz., making these ideal for training solo with a heavy bag, sparring with a partner, or competing.

Pro Lace Boxing Gloves

For fighters who prefer a lace-up vs. velcro, the Pro Lace Boxing Gloves are the go-to option. The design achieves the same optimal feel and functionality as the Pro Boxing Gloves, but with an alternative wrist closure option. 

The full palm lace-up boxing gloves ensures a custom, supportive fit to stay secure during even the most intense training and combat.

Fight Like a Champion with Hayabusa

Crafting thoughtfully developed boxing gear and equipment is important to encourage boxers to perform their best. Every level from beginners to title champions rely on the quality, durability, and comfort Hayabusa boxing gloves provide. 

There are good boxing gloves, but we strive to have the best boxing fight gloves to help you fully unleash your fighting spirit.