Page 22 - Doug Werner Boxer's Start-Up

Chapter Two

Mouthguard: Very important
unless you plan on never getting
hit. The “boil and bite” variety are
inexpensive (under $10) and
work fine.“Boil and bite”refers to
the method used to form-fit this
type of guard to your teeth. First
it’s boiled in water to make it pliable, then you place it
in your mouth, press it with fingers to your teeth and
bite down. The mouthpiece is made of material that
doesn’t retain heat and won’t burn you.

Sparring Gloves: As stated pre-
viously, sparring gloves are
designed differently from bag
gloves since they’ll be used to
strike a person and not a bag. My
gloves are 14 ounces, padded
with two inches of multi-layered
foam and are secured with large
Velcro straps for easy on and off.I
paid $135 for a very good pair of
leather gloves. Don’t skimp here
either.

Groin Protector: The mother of all jock straps.This is a
girdle-type thing that protects groin, hips and kidneys. I
spent $45 on mine. It’s bright red and you can see me
coming a mile away. By the way, a simple jock and cup
aren’t quite enough protection in this sport.

Note for Female Boxers
Women have their own designs to choose from for groin
and breast protection. Gloves are specifically manufac-
tured for women, as well.
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