When you step into the ring for your first amateur bout, you don't wear your own gloves. The competition organisers provide them ringside. But knowing exactly what gloves are used in UK amateur boxing competitions is crucial for your preparation.
If you train in the wrong gear, you'll be in for a shock on fight night. Competition gloves feel different. They are lighter, firmer, and designed for scoring clean punches. You need to know the rules, the weights, and the approved brands so you can train properly before you compete.
The Rules: What Gloves Are Required?
In the UK, amateur boxing is governed by England Boxing, Welsh Boxing, and Boxing Scotland, all following the World Boxing framework. The rules for Competition Gloves are strict and based entirely on your weight class, not your personal preference.
According to the latest England Boxing Technical and Competition Rules, the glove weights are broken down like this:
Boxers weighing 67kg and under must wear 10oz gloves for all club tournaments and championships.
Boxers weighing over 67kg must wear 12oz gloves.
If a bout matches one boxer under 67kg against an opponent over 67kg, both fighters must wear 12oz gloves to ensure fairness and safety.
The gloves are always colour-coordinated. The red corner wears red gloves, and the blue corner wears blue gloves. You put them on just before entering the ring, and they must be identical in every way except for the colour.
Approved Brands for UK Competition
You can't just wear any brand in an amateur bout. The governing bodies have a strict list of sanctioned glove brands. If a brand isn't on the list, it doesn't get in the ring.
The two most prominent brands you will see at UK amateur shows are Sting and Adidas.
Sting Boxing Gloves
Sting is the dominant force in UK amateur boxing right now. In fact, Sting Competition Gloves are mandatory for all rounds of the England Boxing Championship Final Rounds (Quarter-finals, Semi-finals, and Finals).
The Sting Competition Approved Gloves 2.0 are the gold standard. They feature a 50/50 weight distribution, meaning the padding is balanced across the knuckle and wrist rather than being front-heavy. This gives you a true, responsive feel when landing scoring shots. They are built from premium leather hide and come in the regulation red and blue.
Adidas Amateur Boxing Gloves
Adidas is the other major player in the amateur scene. The Adidas IBA Licensed Boxing Gloves are officially approved for competition and are trusted at the highest levels of the sport.
These gloves use high-compression IMF foam padding for shock absorption and feature a taffeta waterproof lining. They are an excellent choice for fighters who prefer the specific fit and feel of Adidas gear while remaining fully compliant with competition rules.
Competition Gloves vs Training Gloves
Why does it matter what gloves are used in competition if you don't buy them yourself? Because you need to train in them.
Standard Sparring Gloves are usually 14oz or 16oz. They have softer, thicker padding designed to protect your sparring partner. Competition Gloves are 10oz or 12oz with much denser padding. They feel significantly lighter and faster, but they also offer less margin for error if your punch technique is sloppy.
If you only ever hit the bag and spar in 16oz gloves, stepping into the ring in 10oz Sting gloves will feel completely alien. Your timing will be off, and your hands won't be conditioned for the firmer impact.
Smart amateur boxers buy a pair of approved Competition Gloves specifically for technical pad work and light, controlled drills. This builds familiarity so that fight night feels like just another day in the gym.
Getting Your Gear Right
While the organisers provide the gloves, you are responsible for the rest of your kit. You need your own hand wraps, mouthguard, groin guard, and boots. Depending on your age and category, you may also need a headguard.
Make sure you are training in the right gear. Check out our full range of Boxing Gloves to find your perfect training pair, or browse our Amateur Boxing Equipment section to get everything you need for your next bout.
FAQs
Do I need to buy my own gloves for an amateur fight?
No. Competition organisers provide the gloves ringside to ensure both fighters are using identical, approved, and safe equipment.
What size gloves will I wear in my bout?
If you weigh 67kg or under, you will wear 10oz gloves. If you weigh over 67kg, you will wear 12oz gloves.
Should I buy competition gloves for training?
Yes. It is highly recommended to own a pair of competition-style gloves (like Sting or Adidas) for technical pad work so you get used to the weight and feel before fight night. However, you should still use heavier 14oz or 16oz gloves for sparring.
What are the best brands for amateur boxing?
Sting and Adidas are the most prominent approved brands in the UK. Sting is particularly important as it is mandatory for the later stages of the England Boxing Championships.
For a deeper dive into choosing the right gloves for training and competition, check out our guide to choosing Boxing Gloves for amateur training.
