For Mayweather, changing gloves is like a NASCAR pit stop

Ryan Songalia

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For Mayweather, changing gloves is like a NASCAR pit stop
Mayweather shows the process behind selecting and changing his gloves during a training session

MANILA, Philippines – A boxer’s fists are his money makers, and when it comes to a fighter as extravagant as Floyd Mayweather Jr, it’s understandable that the process of picking a pair of gloves can have its own flair.

When Mayweather arrives at the Mayweather Boxing Club shortly after 3 p.m. each day, he picks through dozens of boxing gloves and color coordinates his headgear and protective cups to match.

The fighter, unbeaten after 19 years in the sport at 47-0 (26 knockouts), has a large team of assistants whose job it is to handle the most minute of tasks that spring up in the gym. And when it’s time to switch gloves, there isn’t a moment to spare.

“It’s like being in a race, so he doesn’t get cold and his body doesn’t tighten up,” says Steve Sinclair, one of Mayweather’s uncles and an assistant at the Mayweather Boxing Club. “When he says he wants this done, it’s done.”

Some of the Winning brand gloves Mayweather trains in. Photo by Naoki Fukuda/WBC

The larger 16 ounce gloves used in sparring are meant to minimize damage incurred to a fighter being struck, while the smaller gloves – 10 and 12 ounces in weight) can be used on the punching bag and punch mitts for when a fighter wants to test his power.

Mayweather has worn Grant gloves for all but one of his fights since 2006, while Manny Pacquiao, whom he will face May 2 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, prefers to wear Cleto Reyes.

(READ: Weapon of choice: Manny Pacquiao vs Floyd Mayweather)

Mayweather’s preference for Grant lies in its protective all-foam design, as he has been known to have hand troubles in the past. But both fighters often train wearing Winning, a Japanese brand known for its reputation of preventing hand injuries. – Rappler.com

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