Expert: Jack Rose - 12/3/2007

Question
QUESTION: I am new to boxing and im not sure about what gloves to buy for myself. Im using the gloves at my gym but they feel loose on me. Im planning to buy female gloves for myself but am not sure what size to get. Do I need seperate gloves for bag work and competing and what ounces do I get? Thanks so much!
Danielle

ANSWER: Hi Danielle,   Yes, you will use different sets of gloves for different drills. Your heavy bag work should be done with 14oz (or 12oz if you have small hands) and your sparring should be done with 16 oz.  
You will actually fight in 10 or 12 oz depending on your weight but the tournament should supply those. Your sparring gloves should be lace up so they will fit better and be tight. Make sure you have your hand wraps on correctly. They should take up a lot of space inside the gloves making them snug. Your bag gloves should be velcro for easy on and easy off. The female gloves are made a little smaller so you may want to buy your own as far as bag gloves and sparring gloves as most gyms do not have female specific gloves.

Thanks for the question and best of luck.

Jackson

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks for the info. that is very helpful. Now do I have to use the gloves provided by the tournament or do I have the option to use my own? Thank you.

Danielle

Answer
You are welcome.
Yes, when you fight in a tournament you have to use the gloves provided by the organization running the show. You will use a certain size and color designated to your weight and which corner you are fighting in. There will be a glove table where everyone fighting will have their gloves put on by a neutral party working at the glove table. The gloves will be inspected by the referee when you get into the ring.
Some tournaments allow you to bring your own protective cup and of course chest protectors for the ladies. You also have to use the tournament organizers headgear which is also weight and color specific.
Hope this helps and good luck!

jackson