White Winning gloves hanging from the ropes of a boxing ring, with the red-and-blue logo on the wrists. It’s a familiar sight in the boxing world. For many boxers, Winning is among the most sought-after gear money can buy: Japanese craftsmanship with an exceptionally strong reputation for comfort, cushioning and finish.
Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Manny Pacquiao trained with Winning gear. Naoya Inoue and Nonito Donaire wore Winning gear in their first world title fight against each other. Professional boxers call the brand their favorite, and experienced gear reviewers continue to use it as a benchmark. Winning has attained holy grail status in boxing gyms.
The story begins in 1937 at a Japanese workshop. Today, the range includes not only gloves but also protective gear, punching mitts and other equipment for boxers and trainers. Demand is high, and new production orders can have very long lead times. At Fight2Win, we actually have Winning products in our own inventory: the available models are ready to ship directly from our stock.
1. A Japanese workshop since 1937
Sugibayashi Seisakusho was founded in May 1937. The company initially made baseball gloves and boxing equipment. Winning did not begin as a brand focused exclusively on boxing: its first products came from two sports in which the hand and the shape of a glove play an important role.
A baseball glove needs to flex as the hand opens and closes. A boxing glove, by contrast, encloses the fist, with a separate thumb section and a wrist closure. Making both types of gloves involves shaping and joining different components. This work was already part of the company’s early production.
The year 1937 still appears on many of the familiar oval Winning labels. The Winning name came to the company later. Twenty years passed between the founding of the workshop and the acquisition of the brand name.
2. Fully focused on boxing from 1951
In 1951, the company committed fully to boxing equipment. Production focused on gloves, protective gear and training equipment for a single sport. From preparing the hands to working on the punching mitts, different parts of boxing training now fell within the same specialization.
In 1957, the company changed its name to Kyoei Sports and acquired the Winning brand. Four years later, it became Winning Sports. By then, the manufacturer had been in business for almost a quarter of a century and had focused exclusively on boxing for ten years.
Winning's company timeline also notes its recognition as a manufacturer by Japan's professional and amateur boxing organizations in 1961. AIBA recognition followed in 1963. The company thus supplied equipment for both professional and amateur boxing.
3. Six moments in Winning's history
-
1937: Sugibayashi Seisakusho is founded
The Japanese workshop makes baseball gloves and boxing equipment.
-
1951: complete specialization in boxing
From then on, the company focuses exclusively on boxing equipment.
-
1957: the Winning brand name is added
The company changes its name to Kyoei Sports and acquires the Winning brand.
-
1961: the company name changes to Winning Sports
The timeline also mentions its recognition as a manufacturer by Japan's professional and amateur boxing organizations.
-
1963: headquarters in Tokyo, production in Fukushima
The headquarters are established in Bunkyo, Tokyo. The production division moves to Fukushima. Winning also notes the AIBA recognition it received that year.
-
1983: the current company name and a new logo
The company continues as Winning Co., Ltd. and introduces a new logo.
4. Tokyo for the headquarters, Fukushima for production
Winning's headquarters are in Tokyo. Its production division moved to Fukushima in 1963. The office address and the place where the equipment is made are therefore not the same.
In July 2018, the city of Nihonmatsu published a profile of the local Winning factory. It states that the factory had been based in the city since 1963. Employees made boxing gloves, headgear and punching mitts there, among other products.
The article also lets employees speak about their daily work. They describe how they make the products by hand, learn from experienced colleagues and take pleasure in delivering a carefully finished product.
5. The people behind Japanese craftsmanship
The employees in the factory portrait talk about skills they develop through practice and feel. Experienced colleagues help new employees learn the work. Each product is made with care.
On a glove, you can see the result in the connection between the thumb and the striking surface, the seams along the palm and the finish around the wrist opening. The different parts must come together in a shape that lets you put your hand inside and make a fist. The close-up photos show those seams, edges and connections clearly.
The portrait from Nihonmatsu also mentions special versions, colors, embroidery and printing. Products could therefore have finishes other than the familiar colors. Such versions require extra attention to the placement of a colored area, lettering or embroidery.
In the article, the employees speak with dedication about their work and the products they make. That hands-on experience is part of the Japanese production for which Winning is known.
6. From Japanese manufacturer to international name in boxing
In its official history, Winning notes that its equipment was used at the 1964 Tokyo Olympics. A year earlier, the production department had moved to Fukushima. The factory and headquarters were then at the locations that also appear in the company's later history.
The timeline also records a heavyweight world title fight in 1974 and the use of Winning equipment at amateur championships and professional world title bouts in Japan and abroad. The equipment thus reached boxers beyond Japan.
In 1983, the company adopted its current name, Winning Co., Ltd., and a new logo. The manufacturer remained focused on the same sport. Alongside gloves, its current range includes equipment for sparring, pad work and solo exercises in the boxing gym.
7. Winning: the holy grail of the boxing gym
For many dedicated boxers, a pair of Winning gloves is a long-held dream. The brand is one of the most coveted names in boxing: Japanese craftsmanship, a distinctive fit and a reputation for exceptionally comfortable cushioning. Winning has earned the status of a holy grail among boxing gloves. That regard comes not only from collectors or equipment reviews. Professional boxers, too, have spoken highly of the brand.
Mayweather and Pacquiao: Winning in training
Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Manny Pacquiao are among the best-known examples. In his April 20, 2015 report, boxing journalist Ryan Songalia described how Mayweather chose from dozens of gloves at his gym and how his team organized the rotation between pairs. The report, published by Rappler and republished by PhilBoxing, notes that both Mayweather and Pacquiao often trained with Winning.
For a professional boxer, a glove matters every training day. Rounds on the pads, bag work and sparring call for equipment that lets the hand close comfortably and holds up to repeated use. Winning is valued for the feel around the hand, the thumb position and the cushioning when punching. A famous fight lasts one evening; preparation involves many more rounds.
Naoya Inoue and Nonito Donaire in the ring
Winning has also been worn at the highest level of competition. Ahead of the second meeting between Naoya Inoue and Nonito Donaire, BoxingScene reported that both boxers wore Winning gloves in their first fight in 2019. The publication described Winning as a well-known Japanese manufacturer with a reputation for comfort and hand protection.
You’ll find Winning across different boxing styles and countries: in the training of American and Filipino stars and during a world title fight in Japan. The brand does not have just one type of user. Boxers decide for themselves how a glove suits their hand, preparation and way of training.
Professional boxers name Winning as their favorite
In June 2020, British Boxing News asked a group of professional boxers which gloves they thought were best. Nick Ball, Dan-Dan Keenan, Rohan Date and Mark Bridger named Winning. Derrick Osaze also picked Winning as his favorite glove brand. These are direct answers from boxers about the gear they like to use.
American professional heavyweight Ed Latimore is equally enthusiastic in his own glove advice. He calls Winning the best in the business and particularly praises its soft, protective feel. In that article, he writes from his experience as an amateur and professional boxer. His preference highlights how much esteem the brand has earned outside Japan as well.
Comfort, fist position and finish up close
That appreciation also comes through in Johnny Nguyen’s detailed Winning review on ExpertBoxing. Nguyen describes Winning as a go-to choice for professionals and serious amateurs and speaks very highly of its quality. He also recounts his visit to Winning USA and the people he met there.
On YouTube, the review Winning Boxing Gloves Review (2026) – Comfort, Protection & Performance Tested, published by Jibaro Boxing Gear Review, discusses the stitching, thumb space and how naturally the fist closes, among other things. The reviewer is particularly enthusiastic about the comfort and finish of the 14 oz glove tested. Alongside the experiences of professionals, this gives you an in-depth assessment of the glove itself.
Winning’s appeal lies in that combination: equipment you see top boxers use and gear valued for how it feels during training. For anyone who spends a lot of time in the boxing gym, that is a compelling reason to choose this exclusive Japanese brand.
8. Boxing gloves: shape, material and model numbers
The closed shape, oval logo and red-and-blue wrist label make a Winning glove instantly recognizable. Up close, the curve of the striking surface, the shape of the thumb and the opening on the palm side stand out. You can feel these features when you put the glove on, too.
Winning USA describes the professional gloves as made in Japan. For the MS-600, it lists leather and an anti-thumbing design that attaches the thumb to the glove. The photos show the thumb attachment and the stitching around the palm.
The official professional range uses model numbers for different weights: MS-300 is 10 oz, MS-400 is 12 oz, MS-500 is 14 oz and MS-600 is 16 oz. In our webshop, weights may be listed as variants on a product page. So check the oz options on the product card or page, not just the model name in the title.
In addition to its full-finger boxing gloves, Winning also offers the SB-3000 bag gloves. They appear alongside the other gloves in the overview and are designed for bag training. This lets you compare the different versions and their current availability.
9. Laces and hook-and-loop: adjusting the fit and putting them on yourself
Laces let you adjust the fastening around the wrist precisely. You can distribute the tension across different parts of the opening. A training partner can help you put on and fasten the gloves. You can recognize this version by the long lace opening on the palm side.
A hook-and-loop fastening makes it practical to put on and take off the gloves yourself. That is handy when switching between exercises, working without gloves for a while or helping a partner. The wide strap fastens around the wrist and is quick to undo.
Winning offers both types of fastening in various colors. Alongside black, white, red and blue, there is also a distinctive yellow version. Choose the color for its look; the fastening mainly determines how you put on and adjust the glove.
When assessing the room for your hand, take your handwraps and any knuckle guard into account. With these on, you should be able to put your hand comfortably into the glove and make a fist. The rows below show all Winning glove products in our webshop, including versions that are currently sold out.
10. Headgear: open face or facebar
The FG-2900 and FG-5000 have different facial designs. The FG-2900 leaves the face open between the cheek pieces. The FG-5000 has a horizontal facebar across the face.
You notice the difference in the space around your face and how you see through the headgear. With both versions, the fit around your head, the position of the cheek pieces and the adjustment are important. The headgear should stay comfortably in place as you move and turn.
Winning USA lists synthetic leather, a fastening under the chin and Laces at the back for the FG-2900. The detail photo shows the opening at the top and the Laces used to adjust the fit. The synthetic leather exterior can be wiped clean with a soft, slightly damp cloth.
The overview shows the colors available for both the FG-2900 and the FG-5000. The product cards show the versions and availability; on the product page, you can take a closer look at the construction and size options.
11. Groin and body protectors
A groinguard needs to stay in place when you turn, step out and change stance. Alongside the shape of the front, pay attention to how it fits around the lower body and how it fastens.
Winning offers the lace-up CPS-500 and the hook-and-loop CPS-500B. Laces allow precise adjustment; hook-and-loop fastening makes it easy to put on and take off by yourself. Different colors are also available in this product group.
For protection around the torso, the range also includes the Compact Protector, Super Protector and RIB-3. These have a different shape and coverage from a groinguard. Check each product to see which part of the body it covers and how it is worn and fastened.
12. Handwraps, gelwraps and knuckle guards
Hand preparation starts before you fasten your gloves. With handwraps, you wrap your hands, distribute the tension and add extra material around the knuckles and wrists. How you wrap your hands also affects how much space they take up inside the glove.
Winning offers the VL-B Extension Type, VL-C Non Extension Type and VL-H Amateur Fight, among others. The VL-B is elastic; the VL-C does not stretch. As a result, they feel different and provide different tension when wrapping. The VL-H is another design in the handwrap range.
The NG2 is an additional gel protector for the knuckles. The range also includes KVL-R handwraps. When combining them with a glove, consider the total space around your hand: handwraps and extra knuckle protection together take up more room than a bare hand.
Spread out your handwraps after use and let them dry before rolling them up again. By preparing your hands carefully each time, you can also better compare the fit of a different glove or fastening.
13. Punching mitts, paddles and training sticks for the trainer
During pad training, the trainer positions the targets and helps set the distance and rhythm of the combination. The boxer punches an agreed target and then keeps moving. The size and shape of the pads affect how a trainer presents those targets.
Winning has a range of punching mitts, including the CM-5 Oval, CM-10 Curved, CM-20 and CM-65 High-Grade. You can choose from different shapes and designs. The product photos show not only the striking surface but also where the trainer places their hand.
The CM-15 focus paddles and CM-25 training sticks offer different targets for timing and reaction drills. The round CM-85 punching pad has a larger striking surface and handles along the edge. This gives a trainer several types of equipment for varying drills and combinations.
The factory profile from Nihonmatsu also mentions the production of punching mitts. Equipment for trainers has therefore long been part of Winning's Japanese production, alongside gloves and headgear.
14. Double-end ballen and jump ropes
A double-end ball rebounds after a punch, requiring you to aim again, react and maintain your distance. You can practice short combinations on it while continuing to move your feet. The rhythm is different from hitting a fixed target on punching mitts or a heavy punching bag.
Winning offers the SB-7000 and SB-7500 double-end balls and the SB-9000 punching ball. The models have different shapes and uses. Check how the relevant model is hung and its design before choosing a spot in your training space.
A jump rope is useful for warming up and for rounds focused on rhythm and footwork. The Winning range includes the F-16 and F-66. The balls and jump ropes are grouped below so you can compare the versions and their availability.
15. Colors, towels and the gym bag
The red, blue and white of the logo appear on many Winning products. You can also choose from different colors for gloves and protectors. Black and white have an understated look; a red, blue or yellow version stands out more.
The 2018 factory profile mentions special versions in different colors, with embroidery and printing. In our range, you'll find the yellow CO-MS600, for example, alongside the familiar Winning colors. The product listings show which versions are currently available or sold out.
For daily training, there are also the TW-200 Face Towel, TW-300 Sports Towel and W-30 3-Way Duffle. A towel is handy during breaks between rounds; a gym bag keeps your gear together on the way to the gym. After training, take damp gloves and protectors out of the bag so they can air out.
16. A regular post-training care routine
Open the gloves after training, take them out of your gym bag and let them air out. Wipe the outer material with a soft, slightly damp cloth. Pay attention to the closure and the edges, where moisture can linger.
For smooth leather gloves, you can use a suitable leather conditioner to keep the material in good condition and supple. Winning offers the F-73 care kit for this. For synthetic leather protectors, daily care of the exterior consists of wiping them down carefully and letting them dry thoroughly.
Use Sprays to care for the inside of gloves, not to clean the outside. Boxing gloves should not go in the washing machine or dryer or be submerged. Let them dry thoroughly after wiping them down before storing them again.
17. High demand, long waiting lists and stock on hand at Fight2Win
Winning is exclusive equipment in high demand worldwide. With boxing gloves in particular, there can be a big difference between placing a new production order and buying a pair that is already in stock. Ordering a specific model can mean a long wait.
Japanese martial arts retailer Meirin Sangyo states on its MS-600 order page that it can take more than two years from order to delivery. The retailer calls it a made-to-order product and says the delivery time depends on factors including model, color and weight. That gives an idea of how long the wait can be for a newly made pair.
At Fight2Win, we actually have Winning products in our own inventory. So you can buy Winning equipment without having to wait for a new production order yourself. Models marked as in stock are available directly from our own inventory. That is a significant advantage if you want to train with Winning now.
Our range includes lace-up and hook-and-loop boxing gloves, head and body protectors, handwraps, knuckle guards and equipment for trainers. We also carry balls, jump rope, towels and care products. So Fight2Win has not only the well-known gloves, but the rest of your equipment too.
Our product listings feature a wide selection of models and colors. Temporarily sold-out models remain visible so you can compare them. Select your preferred color and weight on the product card or product page to see current availability.
In our showroom in Waddinxveen, we’re happy to answer your questions about hand space, closures and different types of protective gear. You can also buy the equipment here. For a specific model, check current stock on our website.
18. Conclusion: focused on boxing since 1937
Winning began in 1937 as Sugibayashi Seisakusho, switched its focus entirely to boxing in 1951 and adopted its well-known brand name in 1957. Production has been based in Fukushima since 1963. In a profile of the Nihonmatsu factory, employees described how they learn their craft and carefully make the products by hand.
From Mayweather and Pacquiao’s training sessions to praise from professional boxers in British Boxing News: Winning has built its reputation among boxers who put in a lot of rounds. The Japanese craftsmanship, comfort and attention to finishing make it highly sought-after equipment. For many boxers, it is the holy grail of gloves. At Fight2Win, you can buy Winning models we have in stock directly from our own inventory, without having to wait for a lengthy production order.
