Boxing gloves facts for kids
Boxing gloves are special padded gloves that boxers wear when they fight or train. These gloves are super important because they help protect a boxer's hands and also make the sport safer for both fighters. They usually weigh between eight and ten ounces, but their weight can change depending on the boxer's size and the type of boxing.
Most types of boxing require gloves. However, some older styles, like "bare knuckle boxing," involve fighting without any gloves at all.
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What Are Boxing Gloves For?
Boxing gloves are designed to protect a boxer's hands from injury. When a boxer punches, a lot of force goes through their knuckles and wrists. The padding in the gloves cushions these impacts. This helps prevent broken bones, sprains, and cuts.
Gloves also protect the opponent. They spread out the force of a punch over a larger area. This reduces the chance of serious cuts or injuries to the opponent's face and head. So, gloves make boxing safer for everyone involved.
A Look Back: History of Boxing Gloves
Boxing has been around for thousands of years. The idea of protecting hands during fights is also very old.
Ancient Times
In ancient times, boxers didn't have the soft, padded gloves we see today. Instead, they often wrapped their hands and forearms with strips of leather. These wraps were called caestus. Sometimes, these leather strips had hard parts, like metal studs or sharp edges. These were used to make punches more damaging, not less! Over time, the caestus became more protective, but they were still very different from modern gloves.
Modern Boxing Gloves
The boxing gloves we know today started to appear in the 18th and 19th centuries. In 1743, a boxer named Jack Broughton introduced rules for boxing. He suggested using "mufflers" or padded gloves for sparring (practice fights). This was to protect fighters during training.
However, gloves were not always used in official fights. It wasn't until the late 1800s, with the introduction of the Marquess of Queensberry Rules, that gloves became mandatory for professional boxing matches. These rules made boxing safer and more organized. They helped turn boxing into a respected sport.
Different Kinds of Boxing Gloves
Not all boxing gloves are the same. Different types of gloves are used for different purposes in training and competition.
Training Gloves
Training gloves are often heavier than competition gloves. They usually weigh 14 to 16 ounces. The extra weight helps boxers build strength and stamina. They also have more padding. This makes them safer for sparring sessions, where boxers practice fighting each other. The extra padding protects both partners during intense training.
Competition Gloves
Competition gloves are lighter and less padded than training gloves. For professional fights, they usually weigh 8 or 10 ounces. These gloves are designed to allow for faster punches and more impact. They still offer protection, but they are made for the specific rules of a match.
Bag Gloves
Bag gloves are lighter, usually 8 to 12 ounces. They are used for hitting punching bags or speed bags. These gloves have less padding than sparring gloves. They are designed to protect your hands from the constant impact of hitting a heavy bag. They are not meant for hitting another person.
How Are Boxing Gloves Made?
Modern boxing gloves are made with several layers of materials. The outer layer is usually made of durable leather or a strong synthetic material. Inside, there are layers of foam padding. This foam is carefully designed to absorb shock and protect the hands.
The gloves also have a wrist support system. This can be a lace-up closure or a velcro strap. Good wrist support is very important. It helps prevent wrist injuries when a boxer throws a punch. The inside of the glove is often lined with a soft, moisture-wicking fabric to keep hands comfortable and dry.
Choosing the Right Gloves
Choosing the right boxing gloves is important for safety and performance. The best gloves depend on your weight, hand size, and what you will use them for. For example, a heavier person might need heavier gloves for sparring. A beginner might start with all-purpose training gloves. Always make sure the gloves fit snugly but comfortably. They should support your wrist well.
Images for kids
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A pair of velcro sparring gloves
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Leather wraps (Caestus) represented in bronze. From Ancient Greece, first century BC.
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Boxing gloves are mandatory in professional and amateur boxing.
See also
- Guantes de boxeo para niños (Boxing gloves for kids in Spanish)
