Amateur Competition Boxing Gloves
Amateur competition boxing gloves are the only gloves you can box in on an England Boxing show, and this collection holds the two approved models we stock: the Sting Competition Approved Gloves II and the Adidas IBA boxing gloves, in red and blue corner colours and priced from £99.99. Whether you are a boxer who wants a broken-in pair for your bouts or a club that needs approved sets ringside, these are the gloves that pass the equipment check.
Why competition boxing gloves are different
A competition glove has a clearly defined striking area over the knuckles so judges can see clean scoring shots, firmer padding than a sparring glove at the same weight and a thumb and closure built to the governing body's specification. Sting and Adidas both make IBA (formerly AIBA) approved gloves, which is why their competition models carry the marks England Boxing officials look for. Your 16oz sparring gloves are for the gym; they will not be allowed through the ropes on the night, however good they are.
Weights, colours and fit
Amateur bouts are boxed in 10oz or 12oz gloves depending on the weight category, so the rule book rather than preference decides which you need; your coach will know which applies. Gloves are red or blue to match the corner, and because corners are drawn, clubs keep both colours in both weights. Competition gloves are cut for a snug fit over wrapped hands, so wear the same hand wraps you will use on the night when you try them, and expect the padding to feel firmer than your training gloves. That firmness is what lets a scoring shot register cleanly.
Buying competition gloves for a club
A club that hosts shows needs approved gloves for both boxers in both colours at both weights, which is four pairs minimum before spares, plus head guards to match from amateur competition head guards. For a multiple purchase, call the sales team on 01708 320320 and we will quote for the set and check stock before you commit. The full checklist for the season, from vests and shorts in corner colours to competition-legal wraps and gum shields, is in amateur season. We have supplied England Boxing clubs from our Essex store since 2006 and our staff work the corner at amateur shows. Professional contest gloves for licensed bouts are a different specification and live in competition fight gloves; the complete range of sparring, bag and training gloves is in boxing gloves.
Frequently asked questions
What oz gloves are used in amateur boxing?
Amateur boxers compete in 10oz or 12oz approved gloves, with the weight set by the boxer's weight category under England Boxing and IBA rules rather than chosen by the boxer. Lighter categories box in 10oz and heavier categories in 12oz; ask your coach which applies before ordering.
Do I need to buy my own amateur competition gloves?
Not always. Many shows provide approved gloves for both boxers, but practice varies and some boxers prefer a pair they have broken in. Check with your coach and the host club. Clubs that run shows do need to own approved gloves in both colours and both weights.
Can I use competition gloves for sparring?
You can, but you should not make a habit of it. Competition gloves have firmer padding designed to score, not to protect a training partner, and most gyms require 14oz or 16oz sparring gloves. Save the competition pair for bouts and a few sessions to break them in.
