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WABUKAN Arsenal · Shields and protection · Europe

Boxing gloves

Padded gloves made compulsory by the Queensberry Rules of 1867. They protect the hand more than the head.

Boxing gloves
Boxing gloves WABUKAN illustration

Also known as

gloves · luvas de boxe; guantes de boxeo; gants de boxe

Origin and history

Padded gloves (mufflers) were used for sparring in the 18th century, but the Marquess of Queensberry Rules, published in 1867, required "fair-sized gloves" for contests. Gloves became the rule in professional boxing by the end of the 19th century.

Martial arts that use it

Boxing Kickboxing Muay Thai Savate

Construction

A padded leather or synthetic glove with the thumb attached; weights are given in ounces (usually 8–10 oz for bouts, 12–16 oz for sparring). Hands are wrapped underneath.

Basic techniques

Training

Protective equipment is part of training itself: students learn to put it on correctly, check straps and padding, and move and breathe while wearing it before any contact work.

Safety

Protection only works if it fits: replace cracked, torn or compressed padding, check helmets and grilles regularly and let damp gear dry fully to avoid skin infections.

Legality (general information)

This is training or traditional equipment, not a weapon, and is generally free to buy and own. Clubs and federations may still set rules on approved models and condition. General information, not legal advice.

Did you know?

Gloves protect the hand more than the head: they let boxers throw more punches to the head than they could bare-fisted.

More weapons

Bogu Tessen Tinbe-rochin Buckler

Sources

Original WABUKAN text, written from these cross-checked sources (facts, not sentences).

  1. Wikipedia — Boxing glove
  2. Wikipedia — Marquess of Queensberry Rules