By: Hit N Move
In the high-stakes world of professional fighting, the choice of equipment can significantly impact an athlete’s career. Among the critical gear, gloves stand out as paramount for both performance and protection. While some fighters might prioritize gloves that enhance striking power, this short-term gain can lead to substantial long-term risks, making the case for protective gloves even more compelling.
Short-Term Gains vs. Long-Term Risks
Fighters who opt for gloves that increase striking power often experience immediate benefits. These gloves can lead to harder hits, which potentially result in more knockouts and quicker victories. This immediate impact can provide a competitive edge, boosting the fighter’s confidence and potentially swaying judges in close matches. The allure of these short-term gains is undeniable, as the immediate results are visible and tangible.
However, the long-term risks associated with such choices are significant. Harder-hitting gloves can drastically increase the likelihood of hand injuries, such as fractures, sprains, and chronic pain. These injuries not only compromise a fighter’s career longevity but also require extended recovery periods, disrupting training and competition schedules. Repeated hand injuries can hinder effective training, limit improvement in other areas, and even lead to severe injuries requiring surgery, resulting in prolonged absences and potential permanent damage.
Moreover, the ethical implications of causing severe injuries to opponents cannot be ignored. A balance between immediate performance and long-term health is crucial. Fighters must consider proper glove selection, emphasizing both protection and performance, to mitigate these risks.
Photo Courtesy: Hit N Move
Hand Injuries in Professional Fighting
It is relatively common for professional fighters to break their hands during fights. The intense impact and repeated force exerted on their hands when striking an opponent often lead to fractures in the small bones of the hand, such as the metacarpals. Despite using protective gear like hand wraps and gloves, the risk of hand injuries remains high due to the nature of the sport. Proper technique, conditioning, and sometimes surgical intervention are necessary to prevent and treat these injuries effectively.
Photo Courtesy: Hit N Move
The Role of Proper Gloves in Fighter Health and Career Longevity
Fighters must prioritize gloves that offer adequate protection to ensure their health and career longevity. Proper glove selection can significantly reduce the risk of hand injuries, allowing fighters to maintain consistent training and competition schedules. High-quality gloves, like those produced by Hit N Move, provide the necessary balance between performance and protection, helping fighters achieve their goals without sacrificing their long-term well-being.
Ozhan Akcakaya and Hit N Move: A Commitment to Fighter Safety
Ozhan Akcakaya, founder and CEO of Hit N Move, understands the critical balance between performance and protection. His company, known for producing ultra-premium, lightweight, and durable fight gloves, is dedicated to maximizing speed, agility, and confidence in the ring while ensuring fighter safety. Hit N Move’s products, approved by state athletic commissions in Nevada, New York, California, the District of Columbia, Maryland, Florida, and Texas, are handcrafted by skilled artisans and designed in the USA.
Ozhan’s vision is supported by his wife, Alaina Akcakaya, who serves as the VP of Public Relations for Hit N Move. Together, they emphasize the importance of using high-quality, protective gear to enhance performance without compromising safety. The gloves produced by Hit N Move feature 100% genuine cowhide leather for a sleek and responsive feel, a compact design for a smart fit, and proprietary moisture-wicking technology to keep fighters comfortable throughout their bouts.
Final Remarks
While the temptation to use gloves that enhance striking power is strong, fighters must consider the long-term implications of their equipment choices. Protective gloves are essential for reducing injury risks, ensuring career longevity, and maintaining ethical standards in the sport.
Published by: Holy Minoza
