| Author: Clark Covington |
Boxing gloves have been around for over 3,000 years and have gone through significant changes. The most dramatic being in the beginning with the Greek Olympians using hardened leather straps to protect their knuckles.
They shared the information with the Romans, who took the sport to a whole new level in the Gladiator ring. Of course, the Romans added a few extras to the gloves resulting in the deaths and maiming of many competitors. Things were so bad that the sport was banned in 30 B.C. It did not go away entirely, however. Men still boxed bare-knuckled even though unsanctioned and in many countries, illegal.
While boxing gained a revival in the 17th century and boxing gloves were re-introduced in the ring, they were primarily only for training. Bare-knuckled was still the preferred method of being in the ring. Fighters were still being maimed and killed even though in many countries boxing as a sport was still illegal.
With the addition of the Marquis of Queensbury Rules and boxing gloves as part of the equipment in the ring in the 19th century the sport gained respect. Now sanctioned with rules of conduct it was free to progress.
And progress it has. Today there are many different boxing gloves available in youth, male and female, competition and non-competition styles. Some people compete, others fight professionally, and a growing number of people box for exercise with a little self-defense thrown in.
Boxing gloves are also required in the martial art of kickboxing. Even though primarily using the feet, the hands are also used in this sport so boxing gloves are essential for safety.
There are basic types of gloves, each designed for a specific purpose.
The first is the speed bag glove, little more than a pair of padded leather mittens. Since impact force isn't the focus and speed is; only the knuckle skin of the boxer needs to be protected.
A heavier bag glove is used when working on a heavier punching bag. Here force of impact is the focus so it is important that the hands and wrists of the boxer be protected. These gloves are padded with foam and covered in sturdy leather for durability.
Sparring gloves are used in the training ring and worn by both the boxer and the sparring partner. They are heavily padded for the safety of both athletes. Weighing between 14 and 20 ounces, they have multiple layers of padding to reduce the impact of the blows between the two partners. Since these gloves are frequently used a better grade of leather is used for durability. Few would desire to be part of a sport or self-defense class where they have to buy new sparring gloves every month.
Competition gloves, whether amateur or professional are much lighter weight and constructed to strict standards. These gloves weigh between 8 to 10 ounces and have the highest grade foam padding to insure the safety of the competitors. Amateur gloves have a white area on the back of the glove for scoring purposes. The area helps the judges to determine scoring punches better.
Use of the right boxing glove for the right purpose helps to ensure the safety of the athletes involved.About the Author:
Clark Covington is a public relations specialist working with the creators of Zo Out, the perfect place for all your boxing equipment and boxing related gift needs. Visit http://www.Zoout.com for a complete listing of products available. |
Author Bio:
Dr. Ronald Receveur is a native of New Albany. He graduated from Indiana University Southeast, where he received his undergraduate degree with honors in Chemistry. He earned his Doctorate in Dental Surgery from the Indiana University School of Dentistry. |
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