Why do some fighters choose heavier gloves during training?

In the world of combat sports everything revolves around details. The right technique, the right mindset – but also the right equipment. One strategic choice that many experienced fighters make? Training with heavier gloves. It may sound contradictory, but using heavier gloves during training is a deliberate move that affects strength, endurance, and protection. In this article, you’ll read why more and more fighters are making this choice, what the benefits are, and how you can incorporate it smartly into your own training.

More Weight = More Resistance = More Strength

Heavier boxing gloves – think 16 oz or even 18 oz – offer more weight than the standard 10–12 oz fight gloves. That extra weight means your muscles have to work harder with every punch. Not only your arms, but also your shoulders, back, and core are under greater load.

This has two direct benefits:

• You build more explosive power in your punches.

• You develop extra upper-body endurance.

Because of this increased resistance, fighting with lighter competition gloves will feel much “lighter” later on – literally and figuratively. Compare it to runners training on hills to get faster on flat terrain.

Better Protection for You and Your Training Partner

Heavier gloves contain more padding. That means the impact of your hits arrives with less force – both for your partner and for your own hands and wrists. During intensive sparring sessions or pad work, that padding is no luxury.

The goal of training is not to injure each other, but to grow together. The extra padding in heavier gloves ensures safer contact, a lower risk of injury, and a longer, healthier sporting career.

At Fightstyle we often say: “Train hard, but train smart.” Heavier gloves are a perfect example of that.

Fine-Tuning Technique Under Heavy Conditions

Training with heavier gloves forces you to remain technically precise. With the extra weight, you can’t “swing” your arms as much. Flaws in your technique become immediately visible and tangible. It challenges you to move economically and with control.

It also helps you keep your guard high. Heavier gloves drop more quickly when your arms tire. You therefore learn instinctively to manage your energy, positioning, and timing more consciously.

In other words: you become a more efficient and mindful fighter – and it shows in your performance.

Mental Resilience and Conditioning

Not only physically, but also mentally, training with heavier gloves is a trial. You tire more quickly, your punches feel slower, and you have to work harder for the same result. It is exactly in those moments that your character is forged.

You learn to deal with burning muscles, frustration, and the feeling of “I can’t go on.” And it’s precisely that which makes you stronger – in the fight, but also beyond.

This form of conditioning strengthens not only your body but also your fighting mentality. It teaches you to persevere, to control, and to trust in technique rather than brute force.

When to Use Them—and When Not?

Heavier gloves are ideal for sparring, technical training, and strength building. But beware: they are not suitable for every situation. During fast combination drills, reaction training, or speed sessions, lighter gloves can be more effective.

So use different weights at different training moments. Vary, test, and learn what works for your body. And always seek advice from a coach or specialist, especially if you’re new to combat sports.

Fightstyle’s Advice: Choose Consciously, Train Smart

At Fightstyle we believe that your gear determines your progress. The choice for heavier gloves is not for everyone, but for the fighters who want to go that extra mile. Do you want to work on your strength, technique, and conditioning? Then heavier gloves are a powerful tool to lift your performance to the next level.

Our experts are happy to help you choose the right gloves – tailored to your goals, weight class, and training style.

Do you want to take the next step in your training? Check out our range of heavier boxing gloves at Fightstyle.nl and experience for yourself what smart resistance training can do for you. Train harder. Get stronger. Fightstyle.