New Arm Candy from Frills & I’s (and a quick update)

Whew!!! Got my stuff signed by my favourite MMA fighter James “Nako” Nakashima

In case you are just starting Muay Thai and looking to buy a pair of boxing gloves for your training, I want to share what I use, and also try my best to give you a helpful review of the 12oz LONSDALE Challenger Gloves in Gold.

This is my first time to have my own gloves. When I started my boxing two years ago, I just rented the gloves in the gym. I think I have used more than 4 types from 2 brands: Twins Special and Fairtex.

I’m telling you upfront, you should invest in Fairtex gloves because Fairtex is one of the best brands, if not THE best brand out there.

Me at Pound for Pound Fitness Angono Gym with my water, hand wraps, and LONSDALE gloves

Why I got the LONSDALE Challenger Gloves

I weigh about 46kg and stand 155cm, so my trainer advised me to buy 12oz gloves. Initially, I planned to buy Fairtex but it wasn’t available at the time of my purchase…

Apparently, a good place to buy Fairtex gloves is the K-1 Extreme Sportshop. I recommend you visit their shop for a guaranteed Fairtex availability. The shop is located at Unit 2, Ground floor, South of Market Bldg., 25th st., cor 11th Avenue, Fort Bonifacio, BGC. Anyway, back to the size of the gloves, if you are a small person (and a beginner) like me, you can buy anything less than 16oz. Do not buy MMA gloves. These are different from boxing gloves.

Also, you should get the sparring/challenger and not the competition or pro boxing gloves. Training or sparring gloves are heavier and thicker than fighting/ competition gloves. If you still can’t decide, it wouldn’t hurt to consult with your coach or ask the staff from your gym.

LONSDALE Challenger Gloves

Price: Php3,055 at Toby’s SM Mall of Asia

Lonsdale is a boxing, mixed martial arts and clothing brand that was founded in London, England in 1960. I found that this brand has been historically worn by many famous boxers, including boxing legend Muhammad Ali. But still, the brand doesn’t have high review ratings for most of their boxing gloves. BUT their gloves are good enough for beginners…

The LONSDALE Challenger Gloves are designed for heavy bag training, mitt work, and sparring. The gloves have layered foam padding for increased shock absorption, cushioning, and overall protection. The gloves have a short Velcro strap on the inside of the wrist. It is possible even for me to put them on quickly myself. The material is not genuine leather.

The gloves feel snug around the wraps. I am also able to make an easy comfortable fist wearing them. At 3 months now, I feel the grip still suits my right hand perfectly. My left hand though feels a bit weird. But I can still train…

feeling (tired or) cute with my LONSDALE Challenger Gloves on

Also with 3 months of using this pair, I feel some small changes with its padding. Not that its already smashed or something. I just feel that it is not as firm as before. But it’s understandable right because I’m using it regularly.

I read from TITLE BOXING blog that training gloves should be replaced every 8-9 months depending on the frequency of use (assuming they are being used 5-6 times per week). So that’s five times per week, 4 weeks a month, 6 months = approximately 120 rounds. I train three times a week, by the way. So yeah, I think I can still use my gloves for another 8 months. The sign of James Nakashima on the thumb part of my gloves will still be intact too!

Even though the material is not genuine leather, I’m glad there’s no sign of disintegration just yet! Also, after months of training, my gloves don’t smell. I think it’s good that the material has significant “breathability” (according to the container). The gloves have mesh moisture-wicking inner palm that provides ventilation and regulation of temperature.

Parting Words

With the price, fit and feel to my hands, padding, comfort, (and style) I am extremely happy about my LONSDALE Challenger Gloves. Truth be told, I got attracted to these gloves because of the color. GOLD! Well, good thing it lived up to its color. The quality didn’t let me down. I highly recommend this pair for entry-level boxing gloves for Muay Thai training. These are made in India, mind you!

What do you think about these gloves? Have you decided which gloves to buy? Let me know your thoughts in the comments section below. Thank you!