Introduction

Boxing is a sport built on constant improvement. Every session is an opportunity to hit harder, move faster, and push past physical limits. For decades many coaches believed that the only way to achieve this was through boxing-specific drills. Roadwork, mitts, and bag. Never touching any weights due to a fear of making their boxer slow and bulky. 

Recently, beliefs have shifted. The latest sports scientists found that although lifting like a bodybuilder will make you slow, it is possible to use specific weights and movements to actually increase speed, power, and endurance.

Today most high-level fighters hire strength and conditioning coaches, following strict weight-lifting plans tailored to their needs. But for boxers who don’t have access to this luxury, there have been 2 main tools that all claim to enhance your performance without a strict program.

Hand Weights vs. Hit N Move’s 24oz Gloves

While each has its place in training, the real question is: which method actually translates into fight performance?

Overview of Each Training Tool

Hand Weights

For decades, coaches have utilized small dumbbells in shadowboxing, believing the added weight boosted a fighter’s hand speed and endurance. The idea was simple: make training harder so the fight feels easier. Even though they also believed heavy weights slowed fighters, this drill was justified by limiting the dumbbells to 1-5lb per hand. This old-school method is still popular today, but new research has sparked debates over its effectiveness and potential risks.

Hit N Move’s 24oz Gloves

Many brands have attempted to introduce a 24oz glove into their collection. Until now, they all failed due to an almost comedic size and unusable weight distribution. Hit N Move changed the game with their All Day+ 24oz Training gloves. Optimizing weight distribution for correct punching form while keeping the glove the same size as a standard 16oz model. This refined design allows fighters to train with added resistance without the drawbacks of traditional hand weights. (Drawbacks will be discussed in the next section).

Effect on Punching Speed & Power

Hand Weights

1-5lb hand weights are a great tool for burning out your shoulders and increasing the upper body’s muscular endurance. Unfortunately, they also come with major drawbacks. Unlike the other gloves, hand weights cannot be used with mitts or on the bag. They are only good for shadowboxing. This lack of a target often results in short-arm punches which over time will develop into a bad habit. Plus, the lack of technique means you are exercising different muscles that won’t translate over to your next fight. 

Another drawback is the weight distribution. Since the dumbbell’s weight is all carried in your fist and it is a fact that your arm has the least amount of leverage when fully extended. The lack of control makes you push your punches instead of throwing them. This develops poor technique, strains the rotator cuff, and increases the risk of major injury—often forcing recovery time away from the gym.

Finally, the worst habit that comes with this drawback is dropping your hands when punches return because of the excess weight. This not only leaves you exposed but vulnerable to an unexpected counterpunch that often leads to a fighter’s demise. 

Overall, these weights are still effective for building shoulder endurance over a 2-3 minute round; however, it is worth acknowledging the drawbacks to prevent bad habits that could cost you a fight.

Hit N Move’s 24oz Gloves

Crafted to fix the problems of hand weights. Hit N Move CEO & Amateur boxer Ozhan Akcakaya made it his mission to bring boxers a tool that enhances their speed, power, and endurance without developing poor technique and risking crucial injuries.

First, he gathered a team of sports scientists to find the optimal weight a fighter should train with. After many trials, they discovered that 1.5 lbs was the perfect balance of increased performance with a lowered risk of injury.

Next, he used his research from DR-T padding to perfectly shape the glove. This research measured the weight distribution of the bones in a human hand before applying aerodynamics to create a glove optimized for throwing a punch that can fly through the air like a dart. This promotes correct technique, allowing you to snap your punches with greatly lowered strain on your rotator cuff. The DR-T padding layers were also added to the glove to increase comfort, protection, and durability. (Click to read about DR-T). 

The biggest benefit of these gloves, however, is that you can use them on mitts and bag. The target promotes proper technique by allowing you to measure distance and fully extend your punch without fear of overextending your shoulder and elbow. Plus, you can use them for any punching drill, making them more applicable to everyday training. These gloves allow you to train with them 24/7 so your body adjusts to the extra weight. Come fight night, imagine how 10oz’s will feel after your body is used to doing 12-bag rounds with 24s.

Finally, Ozhan slightly altered the padding to fix the issue of the 24oz gloves being oversized. Not only did he reduce the size but made these gloves the same size as a standard 16oz sparring glove.

Unfortunately, the extra weight does lead to you dropping your hands when tired. However, if you can stay mentally aware of this fact and pick your hands up, it will lead to a stronger guard that is ready to go the distance.

Conclusion: Which Tool is Best?

While hand weights and Hit N Move’s 24oz gloves both offer resistance training, only one truly enhances fight performance. Hand weights increase endurance in the shoulders but alter mechanics, encourage pushing punches, and strain the rotator cuff—reducing their use in real-world situations. Conversely, Hit N Move’s 24oz gloves were specifically created to provide the benefits of hand weights and more, without the drawbacks. Designed for full-speed, full-extension punches with perfect technique, they allow fighters to increase speed, endurance, and raw power in a manner usable in the ring, which makes them the smart choice for competitive boxers.