![]() The hand wraps are generally used to protect the bones and gloves are helpful in protecting the hands from serious injuries, allowing the boxers to throw punches with more force. Since the late 19th century gloves have played an important role in competitions. The modern day gloves are much heavier than those worn by the early 20th boxers. Just before the fight starts both the fighters decide upon the weight of the gloves to be used in the match, with the knowledge that lighter gloves allow heavy punchers to inflict more damage. The impact of the punches can also be affected by the brand or quality of the gloves and this too, is decided prior to the match. Boxers decide on the brand of the gloves before the bout. Apart from the gloves, mouth guard is also important, as it helps to protect the teeth and gums from injury, and provides cushion to the jaws, resulting is the decreased chance of knockout. While practising their skills, the boxers use two basic types of punching bags. A small tear bag shaped speed bag is helpful in sharpening reflexes and repetitive punching skills, while a large cylindrical "heavy bag" filled with sand, a synthetic substitute, or water is used to practice power punching and body blows. Apart from these necessary boxing equipments, boxers also use sport-nonspecific training gear to develop strength, agility, speed and stamina. Common training equipment includes rowing machines, free weights, jump rope, and medicine balls. |
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