Floyd Mayweather and Conor McGregor could face each other using lighter gloves. The Nevada Athletic Commission will vote on whether or not to allow the two to wear eight-ounce gloves for their boxing match, which will take place on Aug. 26.
Floyd Mayweather, Conor McGregor want lighter gloves for bout, and they might get them
Many thought this was just another way to promote the fight, but the Nevada Athletic Commission will move forward with a vote.
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The commission will meet on Aug. 16 to vote, according to MMA Fighting. Both competitors have said they want lighter gloves for the showdown.
Mayweather and McGregor are competing at 154 pounds, and the NAC rule for that weight class says 10-ounce gloves are the minimum and the standard. Eight-ounce gloves are typically only used for bouts at 135 pounds and below, though there is precedent for matches contested between 135 and 147 pounds to go with eight-ounce gloves if both competitors agree.
On Aug. 1, Mayweather took to Instagram and called out McGregor, saying that he plans to be wearing eight-ounce Grant gloves for the bout. Mayweather said that he will acquiesce to “whatever advantage McGregor needs to feel more comfortable in the ring,” alluding the four-ounce gloves worn in standard mixed martial arts competition.
McGregor, of course, was quick to respond, saying Mayweather had “brittle hands.” He also said that he didn’t care about the size of the gloves the two would compete in, but presumably he would pursue the opportunity of eight-ounce gloves because it helps promote the fight.
For the NAC, it’s a matter of health and safety. Mayweather and McGregor will need to explain why they want to wear lighter gloves and why they should be allowed to.
“They would have to come before the commission and articulate why they should be permitted to have their fight using eight-ounce gloves,” NAC executive director Bob Bennett said. “The chairman and commissioners would make the determination with the health and safety of the fighters being the number-one priority.”
Lighter gloves means a harder impact for the fists and the standards for glove size have been closely regulated in the sport of boxing.
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