Why professional boxers use multiple types of gloves

Anyone who thinks one pair of boxing gloves is enough will be surprised when they open the sports bag of a professional boxer. You’ll often find several pairs of gloves, each with its own purpose. At first glance, it might seem unnecessary — isn’t one pair enough to train with? But in the world of top-level sport, it’s all about precision. And the right type of glove makes all the difference.

At Fightstyle, we believe good equipment is the foundation of injury-free and effective training. That’s why in this article, we explain why professional boxers use different kinds of gloves — and why this can be relevant to you too, even if you’re not a competitive fighter.

Different Gloves for Different Training Goals

Every boxing session has a different goal: improving technique, building strength, training speed, or sparring. Each of these requires specific demands on your hands, wrists, and muscles. And thus, different gloves. A heavy pair of 16 oz is used for sparring, so you and your partner are well protected. For bag work, a lighter, more compact pair is ideal: less padding, more feel, more speed.

Switching between different gloves ensures your hands get exactly what they need — without overuse or increased injury risk. Top athletes do this as standard. It’s part of smart training.

Sparring Gloves: Safety First

Sparring is essential preparation for competition. But it’s also when the risk of injury is highest — for you and your partner. That’s why professional boxers use special sparring gloves. These are heavier (usually 14–18 oz), have more padding, and are designed to cushion impact on the body and head.

The goal isn’t to knock out during sparring, but to learn and develop. Sparring gloves help by providing safety and comfort. Fightstyle recommends everyone who spars regularly to invest in a dedicated pair.

Bag and Pad Gloves: Focused on Impact and Technique

Training on the heavy bag or with pads puts different demands on your gear. You often throw dozens, sometimes hundreds of punches per session. Bag and pad gloves are usually more compact, with firmer padding designed to absorb impact. They provide more feedback on contact, allowing you to refine your technique and timing.

Additionally, you prevent wear on your sparring gloves by not doubling their use. Many professional fighters choose separate bag gloves with extra wrist support so they can train intensely and safely.

Competition Gloves: Light, Fast, and Sharp

When it’s time to perform, boxers put on their competition gloves. These are lighter — usually 8 to 10 oz — and designed for maximum speed and impact. The padding is thinner, making your punches land harder. That’s why they are only used in matches and never for sparring. The injury risk would be too high otherwise.

For amateurs, it’s often surprising how different competition gloves feel compared to your daily training pair. But that difference helps you perform at your best when it counts.

Are There Downsides to Having Multiple Gloves?

The biggest “downside” is that it requires investment. Buying multiple pairs means more cost. However, this is outweighed by the benefits. Your gloves last longer because you use them purposefully. You prevent injuries, train more focused, and more comfortably.

Another point is that keeping your gear organized requires more attention. Proper maintenance, airing, and cleaning remain essential — especially if you rotate three or four pairs. At Fightstyle, we always advise defining a clear purpose for each glove set and regularly checking for wear.

What Can Recreational and Advanced Fighters Learn From This?

You don’t have to be a pro to use your equipment smartly. Even if you train two to three times a week, you can benefit from a second pair of gloves. Use heavier gloves for technique or sparring, and lighter gloves for bag work. This reduces wear, trains safer, and helps develop more feel in your punches.

Also, having multiple gloves makes you more aware of your training types. It forces you to think about what you’re focusing on. And that’s exactly what Fightstyle wants to encourage: not just training, but purposeful work on yourself as a fighter.

Join the Fightstyle Family

Want to discover which type of gloves best suit your training goals? Check out our extensive selection of boxing gloves at Fightstyle.nl or contact us for personalized advice from our fight sport specialists.

👉 Train smarter, safer, and more focused — with the right gloves from Fightstyle.