Boxing is a sport that's popular throughout the world. It is often misunderstood as simply fighting, but there are vast health benefits to the aerobic workout you get from boxing. It is important that when you decide to take up the sport of boxing you invest in solid, durable boxing equipment that will protect you and your opponent while you train.

One of the primaries of boxing equipment is, of course, gloves. You can get professional fight gloves for fighting, training gloves and bag gloves all for the different aspects of the sport.

Professional fighting gloves conform to the shape of your fist to attain maximum comfort, support and grip. They are commonly made out of soft, top-grade leather for durability and comfort. Underneath the leather is foam—sometimes three different foams, to promote metacarpal and knuckle safety while still maintaining your punch’s full power.

Training gloves are designed for training. While they are similar to professional fighting gloves, training gloves are often easier to get into—meaning you will normally not need a trainer to lace them up so that they are worn properly.

Bag gloves come in a wide variety but are a necessity when training with a punching bag. There are different gloves for heavy bags and speed bags. Speed bag gloves are lighter and do not have as much padding, as they are used primarily for a speed bag and do not require a lot of protection.

Your boxing equipment wouldn’t be complete without punch mitts—for the most serious of boxing trainers. These pads are worn by a sparring partner while the opponent hits the moving pads wearing boxing gloves. You can also invest in body protectors and body shields.

Headgear is also an equally important facet of boxing equipment. You can choose open face or full-face protectors in a variety of materials and colors. Traditional style headgear provides padding on all four sides for durability and shock absorbency. They provide additional ear protection with new, technologically advanced air-release ear channels to relieve excessive air pressure.

Mouth guards are another important aspect of equipment for boxing. These important pieces absorb shock and are quite comfortable on contact points in the mouth. They protect the teeth and tongue during a fight. while higher end mouthguards also protect shock to the brain resulting from jarring of the jaw.

Protective cups are also essential for male boxers. These padded groin and abdomen protectors do just that—protect the sensitive groin and abdomen areas. Different styles are available for you to choose from for your comfort and safety.

We’ve moved all the way down to your feet now in boxing equipment—shoes and socks. There are specially made socks to be worn with boxing shoes. Boxing shoes come in both high and low top styles and are specially made for impact and shock absorption. They provide for flexibility of fast-footed boxers while maintaining comfort and maximum safety. The soles are made to be anti-slip and provide good grip on the mats and in the ring.

Boxing equipment wouldn’t be complete without clothing. Clothing for boxing varies widely and will depend on your comfort style. Shorts are most often worn for training and fighting in the ring. They come from cotton to silk for fights and in any color you can imagine. You can also invest in specially made uniform or dress boxing clothing for the prizefight. Robes and t-shirts are also readily available for training and fighting.

What would boxing be without training bags? Heavy, double-end and speed bags are quintessential to any boxing career.

Heavy bags are just that—heavy. They are strung from chains and are hung from a heavy bag stand or a ceiling beam. They swing easily and are durable enough to take years of punches.

Double end bags are made out of leather and are equipped with a rubber cord at each end for rebounding and quick action. These bags are a must for all boxing workouts and come in six, seven and classic nine inch diameters.

Speed bags are designed for speed, so they are small and lightweight. They are made from leather or vinyl, depending on the make and model of speed bag you wish to purchase. They hang from a speed bag stand with floor and ceiling attachments and recoil great under each punch.

This is a brief overview of the boxing equipment you will need to get into the sport of boxing. As with all sports, there is always plenty of extra equipment that can enhance the sport and the experience. Check with your boxing trainer for all the equipment you need for your boxing—as a career or casual sport.