Association of Ringside Physicians Cautions Against Changing Glove Size for Mayweather-McGregor

The Nevada Athletic Commission will decide on Wednesday whether to allow Floyd Mayweather and Conor McGregor to wear eight-ounce boxing gloves for their Aug. 26 bout.

However, the Association of Ringside Physicians is urging the NAC to vote against allowing the combatants to wear anything lighter than the 10-ounce gloves that were originally agreed upon by both Mayweather and McGregor. The letter from the Association of Ringside Physicians to the NAC is as follows:

The Association of Ringside Physicians understands that consideration is being given to amend current regulations, and in so doing, permit the use of [eight-pounce] gloves in the forthcoming boxing match between Floyd Mayweather and Conor McGregor. This is a bout that has already been set a specified weight class. Unless there is scientific evidence to support the view that such a change might improve the safety of this bout, we would caution strongly against allowing current regulations to be overruled. To do so would set a precedent for future bouts.

NAC executive director Bob Bennett confirmed to Sherdog.com last week that the commission would listen to reasoning as to “why we should deviate from our regulations from 10-ounce gloves to eight-ounce gloves.”

Ten-ounce gloves are standard for fights at 147 pounds and above in Nevada. Meanwhile, eight-ounce gloves are utilized for bouts taking place at 135 pounds and below. Matchups between 135 and 147 pounds can utilize either eight- or 10-ounce gloves, depending on what both parties agree to use.

Both Mayweather and McGregor have traded barbs on social media recently regarding the size of the gloves. McGregor, the UFC lightweight champion, is accustomed to wearing four-ounce gloves in the Octagon. The two men will compete in a 12-round bout at 154 pounds at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.