British Boxing Board of Control to ban all horsehair-padded gloves by January 2028

In addition to their announcement of a new light cruiserweight division, this week, the British Boxing Board of Control (BBBofC) also revealed their intention to ban boxing gloves utilizing horsehair for padding, as of January 1, 2028.

Traditionally known as “puncher’s gloves,” horsehair-padded gloves produce reduced shock absorption while punching and a reported tendency to shift, compress and flatten during high-contact fights until they are similar to bare knuckles.

In response to this tendency, and several controversial incidents involving horsehair gloves throughout boxing history, the BBBofC elected to move exclusively to modern foam-padded gloves for improved safety, as well as decreased potential for cuts and hand injuries among the many benefits.

As reported by TalkSPORT, under the new rule, only gloves padded with foam or other approved synthetic padding will be approved for fights held under the BBBofC’s auspices.

The board’s official website published a full list of the new requirements, as well as the models and brands of boxing gloves already approved for use under the new rule.

“It is a requirement of the British Boxing Board of Control that all gloves used at tournaments under the Board's jurisdiction are approved by the Board,” reads a statement on the BBBofC site. “Glove manufacturers can apply for approval by contacting the Board's Head Office.

“Approved gloves must have the British Boxing Board of Control's official logo applied to the gloves on the thumb side of the palm between the side seam and the bottom piping edge. The logo must be 5.3cm in height and 3.9cm in width and applied by either a heat pressed decal or screen print application. As of 1st January 2028, horsehair gloves will not be permitted. Only gloves manufactured solely with foam / padding will be approved.”

One of the most noteworthy controversies involving horsehair gloves in recent history came in the second matchup between Tyson Fury and Deontay Wilder in 2020.

After being knocked out by a markedly more aggressive Fury in round seven of the fight, Wilder and his representatives filed a complaint to the Nevada State Athletic Commission, asserting that Fury’s gloves may have been manipulated to lessen their padding.

The gloves were confiscated, examined and fully cleared of any malfeasance by the Nevada commission.