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.