Expert: Lian Shoemake - 3/29/2008

Question
Hi, I was wondering if it is possible in a professional title match, that both
boxers where different size gloves. I ask because I just heard Mayweather say
that in his match with De la Hoya, De la Hoya had mayweather wearing pillows
for gloves, while De la hoya had gloves smaller gloves. Is he talking about the
size or the location of the padding in his gloves vs. De la hoyas?

Answer
Hi Aaron.
Thanks for the question.
The size of the gloves are set in the rules of the commission, and both boxers must wear the same size.
In recent years, boxers have had disputes / disagreements over which brand of gloves to wear. In the case of Mayweather and De la Hoya, De la Hoya apparently mandated that Mayweather wear a brand of gloves with which Floyd was unhappy. Even so, they were the same size and weight as Oscar's gloves, but probably designed differently.
I believe I saw the same interview to which you're referring (on ESPN's Friday Night Fights).

I hope this helps, Aaron.
Thanks again for writing!

Regards,
Lian