Why do fighters wear headguards during Olympic boxing competition?

For the past several decades, headguards have been mandatory in Olympic boxing competition, but there are pros and cons to this piece of equipment.

Boxing is inherently dangerous, and a fighter requires various pieces of kit to keep them as safe as possible. There’s the mouthpiece, the groin protector, and, for women, a breast protector, all of which help shield the fighter from blows to vital areas.

The headguard is one of the newest pieces of safety equipment in amateur boxing, and it’s not everyone’s friend. While its advantages are clear, there are also some disadvantages that fans of the sport may not have considered.

MORE: Full schedule, dates, times for 2024 Paris Games

The Sporting News investigates the usefulness of the headguard and eliminates the myth surrounding its purpose:

What is the purpose of headguards in Olympic boxing?

There’s a train of thought that headguards protect boxers from the concussive effects of punches, but that’s not the case. A punch will snap a boxer’s head back and do damage with a headgear or without.

The real purpose of a headguard is to reduce the risk of eye cuts (sustained from punches or accidental butts), which is vital in a long Olympic tournament.

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When were headguards introduced in Olympic boxing?

The first Olympic boxing tournament to feature headguards was Los Angeles 1984. The equipment has been mandatory for the past nine Olympiads and will be present again at Paris 2024.

Do headguards come in different sizes?

Our heads aren't all the same size, therefore headguards come in three different sizes: small, medium and large.

Is there a disadvantage to wearing a headguard?

Some boxers have stated that the headguard makes them easier to hit because their head becomes a bigger target.

Second, some fighters feel that the headguard is restrictive when it comes to moving the head and executing specific techniques to evade punches.

Also, peripheral vision can be affected because the front of the headguard protrudes slightly.

How to watch the Paris 2024 Olympic Games

• U.S.: Peacock | USA Network | FUBO
• CAN: Olympics.com
• U.K.: BBC and Olympics.com
• AU: Stan Sport