Boxing is not just about discipline, agility and endurance; it’s also about remaining safe and protected whilst practicing the art of the sport. Whether you might be sparring with a buddy in the gym or competing against an opponent in the ring, the right gear to keep you safe is paramount to minimising the risk of injury. In this blog post, we’ll run you through all the different kinds of boxing safety gear, plus talk you through why you need them when practicing the art of boxing.

What is Boxing Safety Gear?

Boxing safety gear is a vast range of gear that is specifically designed to protect boxers, from any skill level, from getting any common injuries that are associated with the sport. This kind of gear was engineered to specifically absorb impact, that in turn, reduces any potential cuts and bruises that might result in more serious injuries, such as concussions and fractures of the bones. These essential types of equipment include hand wraps, mouth guards, headgear and groin guides; all of which serve a unique purpose when wearing them. 

Why Do You Need Boxing Safety Gear?

Wearing safety gear is indispensable in boxing for a range of reasons. First and foremost, it protects vital areas of the body from receiving punches. Hand wraps are a great example of a piece of safety gear that protects small bones and your hands by stabilizing your wrists when punching. Whilst head guards create a layer of cushioning around the head to minimize the risk of concussion when there might be strikes to the head during a battle in the ring. By consistently wearing safety gear to training and to competitions, you could assist with prolonging your career by avoiding unnecessary risks. 

What You Need to Stay Protected When Boxing

The Essentials: 

Hand Wraps:

Hand wraps offer a lawyer of protection to the hands and wrists, and are a boxer’s safety gear arsenal. Made from soft cotton material that wraps continuously around the hands and wrists to provide support, absorb sweat for minimal slipages and stabilises the hands to prevent fractures and sprains associated with common movements in boxing. 

Mouth Guards:

Mouth guards are one the most crucial pieces of safety equipment you can wear when boxing, as they protect your jaw and teeth. When buying a mouth guard, look for one that is well-fitted, as this will help distribute the force of a blow to the mouth. When you are wearing a mouth guard, you reduce the risk of breaking any teeth, cutting your inner mouth and lips and lastly, avoid a concussion. Mouth guards will usually be made from a mouldable plastic that will allow you to heat and mould to your own mouth, to ensure the perfect fit. 

Head Guards:

Head guards are completely essential for boxing, especially for training and sparring sessions. They are specifically designed to distribute cushioning and coverage to the most critical areas around the head, for when you are met with impactful punches to the face and skull. A really protective head guard will cover your forehead, templates, cheeks, chin and skull. While not all head guards can guarantee prevention of concussions, they will aid in significantly reducing the force of blows to the head and reducing the risk of any unwanted brain injuries. 

Groin Guards:

Groin guards are applied to reduce any lower body blows that might impact the groin area. They are very important and consistently used by main boxers who want to avoid extreme pain and serious injury to the crotch area. When applied properly groin guards should feel sturdy, yet comfortable and allow for mobility and protection. 

Lastly, the right safety equipment should be highly regarded and non-negotiable for anyone practicing the sport or boxing. Investing in really good protective gear is essential to the sport, whether you are a professional or someone just starting out. Your health and safety should always be a priority when training for combat sports. Remember to always keep your protection front of mind.