When it comes to boxing, the word ‘iconic’ is often thrown around a lot. Whether it be about iconic fights, iconic fighters, iconic boxing moments or even iconic boxing shorts. However, when thinking about the most iconic parts of boxing, it would be rude to forget about boxing gloves.
This integral piece of boxing equipment has been involved in all professional boxing bouts since its invention in 1743. Because of this, over the years they have played a vital role in many iconic moments in the sport and have been worn by some of the most iconic fighters. During this time, there have also been a huge amount of boxing gloves that have become extremely memorable and legendary in their own right.
In this article, we will take a look at the 5 most iconic boxing gloves of all time and also throw in a few honourable mentions.
Everlast Boxing Gloves
Everlast boxing gloves are undoubtedly some of the most iconic of all time. When thinking of classic boxing gloves it is tough to look past Everlast. Whether it's the red gloves with the white writing or the black gloves with the white writing, both pairs are hugely iconic and have been worn by some of the best fighters of all time and in some of the best fights of all time.
While Everlast is one of the most commonly worn brands of professional fight gloves today, it is its classic gloves that make them so iconic. The all-red and all-black Everlast leather boxing gloves were a favourite amongst many world champions throughout the years. However, the most notable fighters are, of course, Muhammad Ali and Mike Tyson.
Everlast was worn by these two iconic fighters throughout their careers. Both fighters saw numerous world championships and devastating victories in these gloves. These iconic moments from these mammoth fighters have cemented Everlast's boxing gloves as some of the most iconic of all time.
While their iconic status was cemented many generations ago, the more modern style of Everlast gloves has become iconic in their own right. Huge fighters such as Canelo Alvarez, Deontay Wilder, Amir Khan, Tyson Fury, Terrance Crawford and so many more have chosen to wear Everlast boxing gloves over their illustrious careers.
Cleto Reyes Boxing Gloves
Another iconic boxing glove brand that has been lighting up the ring for decades is Cleto Reyes. Over the years, these gloves have been the go-to for countless world champions and have taken centre stage in some of the largest fights in history. This, along with their famed black and white logo which proudly brandished ‘Hencho En Mexico’, has made them an undeniably iconic boxing glove.
Over the years, world champions such as Canelo Alvarez, Manny Pacquiao, Floyd Mayweather, Oscar De La Hoya, Lennox Lewis, Sugar Ray Leonard, and so many more have fought in the Mexican gloves. This has meant that the gloves have been a part of some of the biggest fights in boxing history.
These Cleto Reyes boxing gloves are notorious for being a ‘puncher's glove’ due to their lightweight feel, slimmer profile and horsehair padding. Because of this, they have been directly involved in countless knockouts since the brand was created in 1945. This is just another example of what makes these gloves so iconic.
Grant Boxing Gloves
When looking at some of the biggest fights of the last two decades it is hard to come across one that does not involve a pair of Grant gloves. This success has come because Grant is one of the leading manufacturers of high-quality professional boxing gloves.
Since its inception into the boxing glove market in 1995, Grant has established itself as one of the most exclusive and luxury boxing glove brands in the world. Fighters such as GGG, Canelo Alvarez, Ryan Garcia, Gervonta Davis, Devin Haney, Dmitry Bivol, and so many more world champions have worn Grant gloves in some of the biggest wins of their careers.
However, the most iconic fighter that took these gloves to the icon status that they have today is, Floyd Mayweather. Mayweather chose to wear Grant gloves for a large portion of his career and was very vocal about his love for the way the gloves felt. This undoubtedly played a huge role in their success and their popularity amongst top fighters.
Winning Boxing Gloves
Winning Boxing is another brand whose popularity has been largely down to the high quality and exclusiveness of their boxing gloves. Their gloves are considered by many fighters to be the best in the world. When thinking of attention to detail and unrivalled quality of boxing gloves, it is hard for any brand to compete with Winning.
The Japanese brand is the go-to for many boxers' training/sparring gloves due to their immense comfortability, hand protection and padding. However, their pro gloves have also been worn by several amazing fighters such as Canelo Alvarez, Floyd Mayweather, Naoya Inoue, Kenshiro Teraji and so many more over the years.
Winning professional boxing gloves are known to be very protective and are therefore a go-to for fighters who have struggled with hand injuries. However, their comfort is also one of their biggest selling points.
Rival Boxing Gloves
Another brand that has more recently become extremely popular and iconic is Rival Boxing. The brand was founded in 2003 by veteran cutman Russ Anber. He set out to innovate the boxing equipment industry and created some phenomenal gloves along the way.
The popularity of Rival boxing gloves came about thanks to some incredible exclusive deals with huge named fighters. The most notable would be their partnership with the Ukrainian technician Vasiliy Lomachenko and also the unified cruiserweight champion and undisputed heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk. Thanks to these fighters, their gloves were put on the world stage and in some hugely iconic boxing moments.
The Iconic Rival boxing gloves have also become a favourite of other huge boxers such as Anthony Joshua, Beterbiev, Regis Prograis more. With the iconic status of the brand cemented, its popularity will only continue to grow.
Honorable Mention: Fly Boxing Gloves
This UK-based sportswear and boxing equipment brand was founded in 2012 and is still very much in its infancy within the industry. However, over the last decade, the brand has begun to make a huge dent in the market with its high-quality gloves and exquisite designs.
Today these gloves are worn by a huge number of talented British boxers such as Joe Cordina, Daniel Dubois, Fabio Wardley, Leigh Wood, Joe Joyce, Billy Joe Saunders and so many more amazing fighters. This is a testament to their incredible comfortability, hand protection and lightweight feel.
Once these Fly boxing gloves make it to the global scene, their popularity will only continue to grow. Within the next 5-10 years there is no doubt that Fly’s boxing gloves will be up there with the best in the industry and will be cemented as an Iconic boxing glove brand.
