Section 2: Equipment
Gloves
WBO championship contests require the use of new boxing gloves provided by the promoter. The gloves must meet the following specifications:
- Mini Flyweight through Welterweight (105-147 lbs): Eight (8) ounce gloves shall be used.
- Super Welterweight through Heavyweight (154 lbs and above): Ten (10) ounce gloves shall be used.
- Gloves must be approved by the WBO Championship Committee and the local boxing commission. Only gloves from WBO-approved manufacturers may be used in championship contests.
- Each contestant shall have a representative present during the gloving process. Both corners must agree on the brand and model of gloves, or the WBO supervisor shall make the final determination.
- Gloves must not be altered, manipulated, or tampered with in any way. The wrapping of hands shall be inspected and approved by the opposing corner's representative and the WBO supervisor before gloving.
- Laces must be tied on the outside of the glove and secured with adhesive tape to prevent injury to the opponent.
Hand Wraps
- Soft bandages not exceeding two inches (2") in width and no more than thirty (30) yards in length per hand for all weight classes.
- One strip of adhesive tape, not exceeding one and one-half inches (1.5") in width, may be used to secure the bandage around the wrist. Tape shall not extend over the knuckles.
- Gauze and tape must be applied in the dressing room under the supervision of an inspector or the WBO supervisor, and signed off by a representative of the opposing corner.
Attire
- Each contestant shall wear a foul-protector (groin cup) of an approved design, which must be fitted before entering the ring.
- Boxing trunks shall be the primary garment, worn at an appropriate height and not extending below the knees.
- Female contestants shall wear a chest protector in addition to the standard protective equipment.
- Boxing shoes or boots of soft material, with no heels, spikes, buckles, or hard soles, shall be worn. Shoes must be inspected and approved before the contest.
- Mouthguards are mandatory. A properly fitted custom mouthguard is strongly recommended. If a mouthguard is expelled during action, the referee shall call time at the first safe opportunity to have it replaced.
Prohibited Equipment
- Contact lenses are prohibited during championship bouts.
- The use of any unapproved substance on the face, body, or gloves is prohibited. Only a thin layer of petroleum jelly (Vaseline) may be applied to the face.
- No jewelry, piercings, hair accessories, or any items that could cause injury shall be worn during the contest.
- Beards may be subject to local commission regulations; the WBO defers to the local commission on facial hair requirements.