Do you intend to get into boxing or mixed martial arts? If so, you’re going to need to learn a great deal more about the equipment involved. As a boxer or mixed martial artist, you won’t need a whole lot of equipment. However, you will need some boxing gloves. The only problem here is the fact that there are many different types of boxing gloves and that can throw a curveball into the picture.

With that being said, you need to take the time to learn a lot more about the different types. You’ll be able to do just that in the guide below.

Heavy Bag Gloves / Training Gloves

First and foremost, you should know that you’re going to need to train to get good at boxing. In order to do that, you’ll need to equip yourself with some good training gloves. When you’re hitting the heavy bag, you need to protect your knuckles. This is where some heavy bag gloves will enter the picture. These gloves look nearly identical to conventional boxing gloves, but they’re specifically designed for hitting the heavy bag. These gloves are used for hitting heavy bags and pads. Unless you want to bloody and bruise your knuckles, you need to protect yourself.

Get a pair of training gloves and that will make a big difference in the long run.

Sparring Gloves

The only way to get good at boxing is to box as much as possible. Of course, you don’t want to kill yourself or your opponent during practice. Sparring should be used to improve your skills while also protecting everyone involved. This is why you’ll want to equip yourself with a good pair of sparring gloves. These gloves are designed to protect the individual who is getting hit. It is entirely possible to buy pretty much any pair of gloves for this purpose. Nevertheless, there are some gloves that are specifically made for sparring.

Gloves specifically made for sparring will contain a little more padding. At the same time, that padding is going to be softer and it will probably feature more cushioning. It is possible to buy sparring gloves in various weights.

However, it is generally best to stick with 14 ounce gloves. This will give you the best results and ensure that nobody is going to get hurt in the process. Before lacing up and fighting with others, you should speak to your coach. Make sure that they give you the okay for the gloves. Otherwise, the gloves that you’re using might not be suitable and you might end up hurting your sparring partner.

Your coach will help you determine whether or not the gloves are the suitable weight. Remember that your coach knows more about boxing than you. Always listen to their advice. After all, they would do pretty much everything to protect you. Also, try to avoid wearing gloves that are worn out. This will cause problems for you and the person you’re striking.

Amateur Gloves

Eventually, you’re going to be interested in getting involved in amateur competitions. When this happens, you’ll need to adhere to the rules and regulations. In order to do that, you’ll want to equip yourself with the right gloves. There are plenty of gloves out there, but not all of them are suitable for amateur competitions. In fact, these gloves tend to be unique in several ways. Plus, they are usually color coded. For instance, one boxer will normally wear red and the other one will wear blue. In some cases, the knuckle portion of the glove is going to be highlighted. This will ensure that the judges are able to score the bout with precision accuracy.

If you’re competing in an amateur bout, there is a pretty good chance that the officials will provide you with the gloves that you need. If not, you’re going to need to do your own research and find out what gloves are going to work best for you. For most amatuer choosing the best boxing gloves Just make sure that they meet the regulations set forth by the governing body. Otherwise, you will not be able to use them during the bout.

Professional Gloves / Competition Gloves

Do you intend to compete professionally? If the answer is yes, you will definitely want to think about buying the best boxing gloves possible. If not, you shouldn’t even bother. The truth of the matter is that most people who are going to box only want to do so for exercise. They’re more interested in improving their health. If you feel this way, you probably have no intention whatsoever of going professional in the future. Professional boxing gloves tend to be a little more expensive than the others. There is a good reason for this. They’re better quality and they’re going to last much longer. Plus, they’re going to be filled with firmer padding.

This will also make the gloves slightly smaller and a little more compact. This ensures that each blow that is delivered is going to be crisp and sharp. Remember that you shouldn’t be using professional gloves for other purposes. They really shouldn’t be used for anything other than professional competition. Usually, you will be required to wear professional gloves weighing either 8 or 10 ounces. You probably won’t find Velcro straps on the gloves. Instead, they’ll feature laces and someone will need to tie them up for you. Don’t try to buy professional gloves that are very cheap. There is a good chance that they’re not suitable for professional competition at all.

If you want legitimate professional gloves, you’ll need to pay for them and they’re usually going to be fairly expensive. Nevertheless, there is always a chance that you’ll make it as a price fighter so the price will be worth it.

Muay Thai Gloves

Muay Thai isn’t boxing. The two arts are completely different. Nevertheless, the gloves used for both are pretty similar. Still, there are a few major differences that set them apart. For the average individual, it can be a little difficult to identify the differences. Kickboxers are able to throw strikes that boxers cannot. In some cases, they’ll be able to use knees as well. Therefore, they need a little more versatility and flexibility. This is why Muay Thai gloves are specifically designed for the sport. In general, most of these gloves are made in Thailand. After all, this is generally recognized as the home of Muay Thai. Muay Thai gloves tend to have better distribution of padding.

It is common for more padding to be placed near the back of the hand. You’ll also find that these gloves offer far more grip flexibility. This ensures that the Muay Thai practitioner is able to catch incoming kicks. The gloves may also feature additional padding on the inside of the palm. It might be possible to use these gloves for other purposes. However, they’re usually best for Muay Thai and kickboxing.

Mexican Boxing Gloves

Boxing is one of the most popular sports in Mexico. It is no secret that some of the best boxers in the world are Mexican. With that being said, you shouldn’t be surprised to learn that there is a Mexican-style boxing glove. In the early days, it was common for gloves to resemble packets of padding. They were basic and simple. Mexican gloves were much different. They featured a sleeker shape and the padding was much tighter. Today, Mexican boxing gloves aren’t much different from the alternatives. Still, it is very common for the term “Mexican-style boxing gloves” to be used from time to time.

There are several excellent Mexican manufacturers of boxing gloves. However, the most popular has to be Cleto Reyes. The company is known for producing the highest quality Mexican boxing gloves. Their gloves are really the perfect example of Mexican-style gloves. They feature a design that is better fitted to the user’s hand. Usually, it will have a slightly longer cuff as well. And of course, the padding is going to be a little more compact.

It is said that these gloves will actually mold to the user’s hand much better once they’ve been broken in. Just remember that this typically depends on the brand in question.

Alternative Gloves

Finally, you should know that there are many other types of gloves out there. They might be suitable for boxing, but some are not. Traditional bag gloves are a good option if you’re willing to give up some protection. MMA gloves are not suitable for boxing at all. They feature open fingers so that the user will be able to grapple with their opponent. MMA gloves are really only suitable for those preparing to partake in the sport of mixed material arts. Finally, you have semi contact gloves. There is a good chance that you’ve seen these gloves on television at some point. After all, they’re generally used for karate competitions.

Semi contact gloves can also be used for Taekwondo bouts. Due to the shape and design of the glove, they’re not really a good choice for boxing or Muay Thai. Boxing gloves provide far more protection than semi contact gloves. With that being said, serious boxers should avoid them.