Boxing Glove Weight Guide

Searching for your first pair of boxing gloves can be confusing, especially for a beginner who is completely new to the sport of boxing.

You may find yourself asking:

• Why are gloves measured by their weight rather than their hand size?
• What does oz mean?
• Which boxing gloves weight do I need?

In this guide, our expert team will give you the answers you need to understand why they are measured by their weight and decide which pair is best for your training needs!

What does OZ mean?

You should find the letters 'OZ' somewhere on your pair of boxing gloves with a specific number.

This relates to the glove's weight which is how they are measured and discussed through the sport of boxing.

While shoes are measured by their length, boxing gloves are measured by their weight.

'Ounces' is the unit of weight that a boxing glove is measured by.

Ounces in boxing gloves typically range from 4oz, 6oz, 8oz for younger users and 10oz, 12oz, 14oz, 16oz, 18oz, for adults!

For reference 1 Ounce = approx. 28 grams.

Why are boxing gloves measured by their weight (OZ)?

Boxing Gloves are measured by ounces rather than size so you can understand the weight and resistance they provide the boxer when training.

A lighter boxing glove (10oz) normally carries a smaller and lighter build, a heavier glove (16oz) normally provides a larger, bulkier build.

A 10oz boxing glove for example provides less fatigue on the boxer and less resistance when throwing a faster/harder punch in comparison to a 16oz boxing glove.

Whereas 16oz boxing gloves provide more weight, bulk, and resistance to the boxer which is why this weight is commonly used as a sparring glove.

With less weight, you may have a higher chance of injury, however, with a heavier boxing glove, you may find yourself fatiguing faster.

Which boxing glove weight should you choose?

Rather than asking yourself the above question, let's work back from your training needs!

What are you going to be using the boxing gloves for?

Are you going to be using your gloves on a boxing/heavy bag, focus pads/mitts with your coach, or using them for sparring?

The answer to the above gives you a solid base to find the perfect pair.

Below are our recommendations for finding the right pair for your needs!

Which boxing glove weight should you choose for focus pad/mitt training?

A 10oz or 12oz boxing glove is generally a great weight to train with focus pads/mitts as they offer a moderate amount of resistance and protection for the boxer's hands.

Our team recommends the above weights for the majority of adults ranging from approx. 65 - 85 kgs.

Lower than 65kgs should choose 8-10oz, heavier than 85kgs should consider 12-14oz.

This ensures you can keep up the intensity, power, speed, and pace during a training session all while stayed well protected.

If you were to wear a 16oz glove for bag and pad work, the endurance in your arms may suffer earlier, however, this may build better endurance over time and giving you an even better workout.

Remember that the above is a guide, testing out multiple weights is a great way to find your favourite weight.

Which boxing glove weight should you choose for boxing bag training?

Our team recommends using the same information from the above.

Additionally, you may only require a pair of boxing bag mitts or bag gloves. (Click here to learn about boxing bag mitts and bag gloves!)

If you're training with a heavy, thick, and dense boxing bag, a well-padded, heavier pair of boxing gloves may lower the risk of injury!

Which weight should you choose for sparring?

Our team and MANY gyms across the globe recommend 16oz boxing gloves as they should provide more protection for the user and training partner.

If you are a lighter student/fighter, say less than 60kgs, you should be allowed to use lighter gloves.

For example:
A 16oz pair of gloves should be bulkier compared to their 12oz counterpart and typically gives the user more protection when guarding and makes placing shots, harder to land.

Always remember that a heavier boxing glove requires more energy to utilise.

If you see a training partner with 10oz gloves for sparring, it's best to stay clear unless they have great control and you have some great defensive skills.

Another important note is that not all sparring gloves are built the same.

Some may have thick knuckle padding, while others may have a lot less.

It's best to do a little research on the model of boxing gloves to ensure you aren't sparring an opponent with boxing gloves that hurt your hands!

Are heavier boxing gloves safer?

Yes... and no!

While 16oz boxing gloves add more resistance to your ability to throw a punch, a 16oz glove with a thin layer of knuckle padding can still hurt your opponent and your hands.

If you were to compare a 12oz and 16oz of the same model, you can safely assume that the 16oz glove will be a larger glove and provide less risk of injury.

Be sure to check the build quality and features of your boxing gloves to ensure they offer you the protection you need.

Your coach told you to wear a certain weight?

While your teammates may tell you which gloves to purchase, it's a good idea to listen to your coach's opinion on which boxing gloves you require.

Or even better, ask one of our friendly team and we can gladly point you in the right direction to finding the perfect glove for you.

Do you need more than 1 pair of boxing gloves?

If you are training heavily and are involved with boxing, kickboxing, Muay Thai or other combat sports.

Our team highly recommends you have 2 pairs in your training kit.

Having 2 pairs of boxing gloves ensures you have a pair for sparring and another for bag work as they would typically be different weights.

This more importantly allows each pair to air out and adequately dry between training sessions, giving your boxing gloves a longer life span!

If you are training 1-3 times a week as a boxing hobbyist, 1 pair may suffice.

Have any other questions?

Once you understand what you need in a pair of boxing gloves,

Then choosing becomes much easier!

That is why Punch Equipment has over 10 models of boxing gloves with a huge variety of awesome features to ensure you get exactly what you need!

Check them all out here at Punch Equipment!