What gloves do Olympic-style boxers wear?
Officials' detail · Gloves, kit and the ring · 1 of 4Gloves weigh 10 ounces (284 g) or 12 ounces (340 g) and are red or blue to match the boxer's corner. Women, under-17s and men up to 65 kg use 10-ounce gloves; men of 70 kg and above use 12-ounce gloves. Hands are wrapped underneath with approved bandages only.
How it works
| Gloves | Used by |
|---|---|
| 10 oz (284 g) | All women's categories; all under-17 categories; elite and under-19 men from 50 kg to 65 kg |
| 12 oz (340 g) | Elite and under-19 men from 70 kg to over 90 kg |
- Weight tolerance 5% either way. At least half the weight must be padding.
- Velcro closure, covered with one layer of tape 5 cm wide so that it cannot cut the opponent.
- The thumb is attached to the body of the glove.
- Gloves are issued at the event, put on in view of the official and taken off as soon as the bout ends, before the decision is announced.
- Hand protection: Velcro bandages for under-17 and under-19 boxers. Elite boxers use either Velcro bandages or professional hand wraps of gauze and tape, as the event specifies, and everyone at an event uses the same type.
- Nothing may be added to the wraps. With professional wraps, tape may not cover the knuckles.
Tricky cases
Why do heavier boxers wear heavier gloves?
The rules give the weights and who uses them, not the reason. More padding in a heavier glove is the usual explanation.
Can a boxer bring their own gloves?
It depends on the event. The rules say a boxer puts on gloves "received" from an official, and event rules decide the supplier.
Why the rule exists
Heavier gloves for heavier men spread the force of bigger punches. The colours let judges and spectators tell at a glance whose punch landed.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| World Boxing rules | As above | WB 13.1; WB 13.2 |
| Professional boxing | Usually 8 oz or 10 oz, by weight class | C |
From the rule book
World Boxing Competition Rules, Rules 13.1 and 13.2. Approved November 2024. Checked 14 October 2026. Official document: World Boxing Competition Rules (PDF).