Floyd Mayweather and Conor McGregor may be cutting an extra 2 ounces off their boxing gloves for their big fight on August 26th. Currently, the two are set to fight in 10 oz. gloves as mandated by the Nevada State Athletic Commission for matches above 147 pounds. But following a social media message from Floyd Mayweather requesting 8 oz. gloves instead, the two are taking their request to a commission. Mayweather’s past few fights have used 8oz. gloves. McGregor is used to fighting with 4oz. gloves in the UFC.
Originally, many considered Floyd’s demand as either an advertisement for Grant gloves or just a publicity stunt to promote the fight. But NSAC head Bob Bennett opened the door to allow the change to go through.
“Our regulations require 10oz. gloves,” Bennett told Sky Sports. “But I won’t say that there’s no negotiations. The promoters have a legal opportunity to submit a waiver, then appear before our commission to articulate why they think we should make an exception to our regulations.”
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Representatives from both Team Mayweather and Team McGregor are set to attend the next NSAC meeting on August 16th, where the board members will vote on the request.
In boxing, smaller gloves means more power and hand speed for the fighters. It also means less hand protection. The power factor plays to McGregor’s advantage, considering most only give him a puncher’s chance at catching Mayweather and hurting him. Hand speed would seem to be an advantage for Floyd, but at the same time he is renown for his brittle hands. A smaller glove could easily result in him hurting his fists on fight night.
It’s all just the latest bit of intrigue to come out of the boxing superfight between one of the best UFC fighters and one of the GOATs of boxing. We just have to see now if the commission allows the glove change to go through.
