Boxing Glove Weight and Sizes (How Heavy Are Boxing Gloves?)

If you were ever curious about what excatly is the normal boxing glove weight, what size gloves do different boxing weight classes use, or what oz boxing gloves should you get – then this is the post for you.

We have also included our full boxing glove size guide if you are new to boxing and looking to buy a pair of gloves.

Key Takeaways

• Normal boxing glove weight can range from various sizes and weights, from 6 oz. youth mitts to 20 oz. heavyweight gloves. The size of gloves you should use depends on your weight and hand measurements as well as what you’ll be using them for – general boxing training, sparring, or amateur/professional bouts.
  
• Different size gloves are usually used depending on the boxing activity – generally speaking:
  • sparring gloves are usually 16 oz
  • training gloves can be 16/14/12 oz (depending on your preference) – however at my gym most people prefer training in 12 oz gloves
  • finally gloves for an amateur or pro fight are usually 10 oz or 12 oz
    
• For beginners, who only want to purchase one pair of gloves, I’d recommend going with 16 oz boxing gloves (but again try different sizes out – if you prefer to train in smaller gloves that’s fine too)
  
• On top of choosing the correct glove weight, you should always take proper hand measures – see section below on how to do that
  
• For training, see the below generally recommended boxing glove size:

How Heavy Are Normal Boxing Gloves?

Simply put – glove weight correlates to the level of padding incorporated in the gloves.

Standard weights typically fall within the range of 10 to 16 ounces, although there are always exceptions (which I will get into further down this post).

A good general rule for training gloves is that if you’re under 120 lbs you might do better with 12 to 14 ounce gloves. If you’re closer to 150-180 lbs you may want to go heavier with 14-16 oz gloves.

However, for sparring, regardless of your body weight, it’s recommended to go for gloves weighing a minimum of 16 ounces for your safety and that of your sparring partner.

What Is the Weight That Professional Boxers Use During Fights?

In professional boxing, generally, they use gloves that weigh 8 oz for fighters that are 150 lbs and lower and 10 oz gloves for figthers that are above 150 lbs.

However, in professional boxing, the weight of the gloves can be changed based on the fighter’s agreement. For one example, if there is a weight disparity the fighter who is lighter will choose to wear heavier gloves.

In amateur boxing, the standard with of the gloves is 10oz for 152 lbs and lower, and is 12 oz for 165 lbs and heavier.

Full Boxing Glove Size Guide

Typically, your height, weight, and hand circumference are the key factors in finding the best gloves for you.

Hand circumference – probably the largest factor in determining glove size:

• to measure your hand circumference use fabric tape or a piece of string
  • Wrap this around your open, dominant hand, just below your round knuckles, so it meets in the middle of your palm.

A tip on comfort – boxing gloves should fit like how a well-rounded tailored suit fits, neither too snug nor too loose.

Standard boxing glove sizes fall between 10 oz – 20 oz, however, this does not suggest a ‘one size fits all’ approach.

A key rule to remember is “The bigger the glove, the harder the workout“. So, for heavy bag training or fitness classes, consider 16 oz gloves providing good wrist support and hand protection for a tougher workout.

What Size Gloves Should a Beginner Get?

Typically, the recommended sizes range between 12-16 ounces depending on the boxer’s weight and the intensity of training. It’s common amongst lighter or beginner boxers to train with 12-ounce gloves as they offer a good balance of protection and speed.

12 oz gloves – good for lighter fighter’s who want more control and don’t mind less padding

14 oz gloves – good balance between control and protection

16 oz gloves – good for heavier fighters who prefer harder heavy bag training who need more protection

Meanwhile, boxers who weigh more or go all out with heavy bag training sessions may prefer 16-ounce gloves. The main advantages of using heavier gloves are:

• First, they offer significantly more padding hence protecting your hands better while punching the dense heavy bags.
• Second, when you switch to lighter gloves for a match, your hands will feel significantly lighter and faster.

However, always make sure that before settling on a particular glove size for your training, it feels comfortable, and your hand isn’t crammed up. Also, check to ensure that the gloves maintain a snug fit even after being broken in.

14 or 16 oz Gloves for Heavy Bag?

In general, I’d recommend going with 16 oz gloves for heavy bag training.

I have training partners who prefer 12 oz or 14 oz, but the majority of the people at my gym train with 16 oz gloves. Also I’d recommend any beginner go with 16 oz gloves as well for the extra protection.

What Sizes Gloves Should You Spar With?

Generally speaking, boxers should spar with gloves that weigh 16 ounces or more. This size is considered safe, as it offers extra padding to protect both yourself and your sparring partner.

While the unanimous recommendation for sparring gloves is 16 ounces or more, it is not uncommon for that fighters weighing more than 180 lbs wear gloves weighing 18 or 20 ounces.

However, our recommendations are hard set rules, and the final decision should be based on your own comfort and protection.

Why Are Boxing Gloves So Heavy?

So now, why are boxing gloves so heavy, unlike other sports gear that’s typically designed for agility and maneuverability?

Boxing gloves are so heavy to offer protection in boxing training whether your training involves hitting the heavy bag, mitts, or sparring, you want to have your hands as protected as possible.

Aside from protection, heavier gloves also add some weight to the glove which can help which some believe can help with muscle endurance, punching power, and strength.

3 types of boxing that involve different gloves are:

1. Training or bag work: Gloves used primarily for training or bag work tend to be heavier (usually in the ballpark of 16 oz.), offering more padding and hand protection.
2. Sparring: Sparring gloves may measure the same in ounces but have increased cushioning to protect both fighters from heavy impacts.
3. Amateur or Professional fights: On the contrary, gloves used in professional fights can be lighter (often in the range of 8 – 10 oz.), as they require less padding.

Another factor you should be aware of that contributes to the weight of boxing gloves is the material they’re made from. Genuine leather is typically heavier than synthetic materials like vinyl.

Boxing Glove Size by Weight Class

Fighters in the lighter weight divisions such as flyweight, bantamweight or featherweight typically utilize gloves weighing between 8 oz to 10 oz as you get up to super lightweight and beyond, you’ll see fighters using heavier gloves – see our chart below for a breakdown:

Glove Weight Based on Rules and Regulations

When it comes to professional matches there are specific rules on regulations when it comes to glove sizes.

For professional matches, gloves weighing 8 oz to 10 oz are common, based on the weight classifications of the fighters (see above).

Gloves weighing 8 oz are typically used in light flyweight to welterweight classes. In contrast, 10 oz gloves are used in light middleweight to heavyweight classes.

Interestingly, amateur boxing has even more stringent rules, often requiring 10 oz gloves for light flyweight to light welterweight divisions, and 12 oz gloves for welterweight and above classes.

How to Take Measurements to find the Right Size Boxing Glove

To measure your hand, you can use a fabric tape measure. Wrap it around the fullest part of your hand, just below your knuckles. If you don’t have one, use a string then measure it against a ruler.

Once you’ve determined where the tape crosses, note the measurement. This figure in inches is the measurement you will use when inspecting glove sizing charts (see below chart from Title boxing):

Finding the right boxing glove size can be a bit of trial and error. Brands may slightly vary in their measurements. Start with this measurement, then experiment with a few different glove styles and brands.

Side note: Your hand wrapping method can also influence glove fit. Check that your preferred method of wrapping fits comfortably within your chosen gloves. And don’t forget to take into account the potential of breaking-in. Much like a shoe, boxing gloves can become more comfortable and suitable to your hand shape with constant use. Keep the initial tightness in mind, don’t let it dissuade you from what seems like a perfect fitting glove.

What If the Glove Sizes Vary Between Brands?

Boxing glove sizes may, unfortunately, vary between brands.

I’ve noticed that gloves from Cleto Reyes fit more snug on my hand than gloves from Winning. So I recommend trying out different brands to see which ones fit your hand better.

Boxing Gloves Breakdown By Weight

6 oz Gloves

6 oz gloves are typically used for children and youth boxers.

They are the smallest and lightest in the range of boxing gloves. The padding in these gloves is reduced due to their light weight, but they still provide decent protection.

Side note, in competitive youth matches, the mandated glove weight is often in the range of 8-10 oz, depending on the age and weight class of the fighters.

8 Oz Gloves

Next, let’s take a look at 8 oz gloves. This size is typically relevant for fighters in professional matches, specifically those in the welterweight division (147 lbs) and below.

The lighter padding results in harder punches, causing more damage to the opponent. These gloves are not recommended for bag work or sparring at your local gym.

Again, predominantly used by professional boxers in lower weight divisions, 8 oz gloves afford the advantage of faster, crisper punches due to their lightweight nature.

Finally, due to their lighter padding, there’s an increased chance of injuries to one’s hands during heavy bag workouts or sparring sessions. Therefore, these gloves are infrequently used in regular training routines but remain reserved for sanctioned professional fights.

10 Oz Gloves

10 oz gloves are typically used in professional and amateur fights in lighter weight divisions.

The size of these gloves also makes them ideal for hitting pads or focusing on fast-paced punches.

Some relevant research shows that 10 oz gloves reduce the force of impact by only ~40%, compared to a bare fist.

These gloves have been known to be used by famous boxers including Floyd Mayweather and Canelo Alvarez. For those who are prioritizing speed and punch intensity in their style, 10 oz gloves are worth considering.

Side note: Younger boxers, especially those under age 10, may prefer 8 or 10 oz gloves for their training routines, due to their smaller hand size and weight.

12 Oz Gloves

Now we are getting to the more commonly used gloves in training as well as professional fights.

For those who prefer a balance between speed and protection, 12 oz gloves make a solid choice. Some of my training partners prefer to use 12 oz gloves for training.

They are slightly heavier than 10 oz gloves, providing a balance between hand protection and punching power. They are pretty suitable for a wide range of activities – from heavy bag workouts, sparring to mitt work.

Even heavyweight boxers such as Tyson Fury have been reported using 12 oz gloves during training sessions.

14 Oz Gloves

Next, 14 oz gloves seem to hit the sweet spot for many, serving as the jack-of-all-trades.

These gloves’ extensive usability makes them popular among novices and seasoned boxing enthusiasts alike. This size lands right in the middle of the full boxing glove size scale, which starts from 6 oz youth mitts and extends to heavy 20 oz gloves.

Is 14 oz suitable for sparring? The answer is yes, for light sparring. These gloves are substantial enough to protect both you and your opponent from getting hurt during light sparring sessions.

However, for regular or intense sparring, it’s usually recommended to switch to a heavier glove, such as 16 oz, as a precautionary measure for optimal protection.

16 oz Gloves

16 oz boxing gloves, colloquially known as the “big guns,” are probably the most commonly used gloves in intensive training or sparring sessions.

Designed for those in the heavyweight spectrum, these gloves contain a substantial amount of padding to provide an efficient cushion against attacks. The added weight compared to lighter boxing gloves helps to better protect both the user’s hands and the opponent on the receiving end of the punches.

16oz gloves are not just meant for heavy sparring sessions, they can also be a solid asset during your training. For boxers looking to increase their endurance and strength, these gloves are the way to go.

Special Considerations for Amateur and Professional Boxers

Amateur and professional boxers alike have to carefully consider which size of boxing gloves they should use, as this affects not only performance but also safety.

In amateur boxing, gloves usually range from 10 to 16 ounces depending on the class under which a match falls. The fighters under the light welterweight class usually use 10 oz gloves.

In contrast, fighters within the welterweight through super heavyweight divisions prefer heavier gloves weighing 12 oz with more padding for better protection.

As for professional boxing, the 8 oz to 10 oz glove range is more popular.

Welterweight fighters and below commonly don the 8 oz gloves, while those in the super welterweight and higher classes opt for 10 oz gloves.

Related Frequently Asked Questions

How Heavy Are Mike Tyson Gloves?

Mike Tyson, is known to use gloves weighing around 16 oz. for his regular training sessions.

Using relatively heavier gloves in training is quite a common strategy and has been used by many accomplished boxers. The purpose of doing so is to optimize the strength and speed of punches when they eventually switch to lighter gloves during professional fighting bouts.

During actual fights, Tyson uses gloves that were lighter in weight – typically around 10 oz.

How Heavy Are Mayweather’s Gloves?

Floyd Mayweather seems to favorite gloves from Grant.The ones he wears are usually 10 oz.

Mayweather’s boxing style is likely complemented perfectly by these lighter gloves. The decreased weight allows for speedier punches, which in turn, compensates for the slight decrease in punch impact due to the lighter weight.

What Is The Recommended Weight For Sparring Gloves?

Arguably the most widely recommended weight for sparring gloves stands at 16 oz. This weight plays a key role in ensuring that both fighters can deliver their punches while still maintaining a level of safety.

Remember, the aim of sparring is to learn and develop your boxing skills, not to injure your partner. So, when considering glove size for sparring, make sure to prioritize safety over power or speed.

What About Professional Boxing Glove Weights?

The gloves used in a professional fight tend to be lighter than gloves used in training. The most commonly used glove sizes in professional boxing matches are 8 oz or 10 oz.

The choice between the two depends largely on the weight class of the boxers. Lower weight classes (up to 147 pounds) often use 8 oz gloves, while those in heavier divisions use 10 oz gloves. For instance, great fighters like Muhammad Ali and Mike Tyson were known for using the latter during their fights.

Can The Weight Of Your Boxing Gloves Affect Your Training?

The weight of your boxing gloves can definitely influence your training effectiveness and boxing technique.

• Heavy gloves can help develop endurance, as the extra weight requires more effort to keep your hands up and throw punches.
• Lighter gloves, on the other hand, can help work on your speed and technique. .

Importance of Hand Size in Choosing Boxing Gloves

Even if the weight of the glove is perfect for your requirements, your gloves could still be uncomfortable if they don’t fit your hands well. The size of your fingers, breadth of your palm, and the length of your thumb can all affect how well your glove fits.

Roomy gloves just offer less control, increase the risk of gloves slipping, and may result in injuries. Too tight gloves, on the other hand, decrease blood circulation, which can lead to fatigue and cramps.

Zack Nicholas

Zack is an avid jiu jitsu practitioner and martial arts nerd. He currently holds a brown belt in BJJ. When not on the mats or in the gym, he can be found going for walks with his wife, attempting (and often failing) to train his dog, and frequently obsessing over a specific hobby only to forget about it a week later.