Rival HG20 Classic Headgear

Q: Why do some headgear have an open chin?

Maximum visibility, minimal obstruction.A headgear in combat sports such as boxing often has an open chin to improve the fighter's comfort and mobility.This design allows fighters to see all incoming punches, especially hooks and uppercuts, without being hindered by thick padding.The open design also allows for better head movement and countering opportunities during sparring sessions and training.Some key benefits of open-chin headgear:Improved visibility: an open-face design provides a wider and clearer field of vision, which is crucial for anticipating punches and reacting quickly, especially during training or sparren.Improved mobility: the smaller amount of padding around the chin and cheeks allows for smoother head movement, enabling fighters to evade punches more effectively.Focus on countering: by maintaining a clear view of their opponent, fighters can better anticipate and counter their attacks.Fewer restrictions: open headgear is generally preferred for its greater comfort and breathability during intense training sessions.Please note:While open headgear prioritizes visibility and agility, it naturally provides less protection for the face, particularly the chin and nose, compared with headgear featuring a face bar or cheek protection.However, the open design is often preferred because it allows fighters to sparren and train without feeling overly restricted in their freedom of movement. Many fighters are not fans of overly "bulky" protective gear anyway.

Q: Isn’t a buckle dangerous on headgear?

No.Brands that use this type of classic fastening know:first, that this is the most secure way to fasten a protectorsecond, they position the buckle well out of the way so it cannot injure the fighter in any way

Q: How does the Rival HG20 Classic headgear fasten?

The HG20 Classic features a three-part closure system: a True Fit lace-up closure at the top for the basic fit, hook-and-loop closures at the back for quick adjustment, and a chin strap for a perfect, stable fit. This combination keeps the headgear in place, no matter how hard you train.

Q: Is the Rival HG20 Classic headgear suitable for both beginners and advanced users?

Yes. The Rival HG20 Classic is designed for everyone— from beginners to the most demanding advanced and professional fighters. The combination of durable materials, comfortable fit and professional-level protection makes it an excellent choice for every stage of your boxing development.

Q: How do I maintain the Rival HG20 Classic headgear?

Wipe the leather exterior with a damp cloth after every training session and let the headgear air out in a dry place — never store it directly in a sports bag. Treat the leather regularly with a leather conditioner to prevent it from drying out. The microfiber lining can be cleaned with a mild cleaner. Store the headgear away from direct sunlight.

Q: What is the story behind Rival Boxing Gear?

Rival Boxing Gear was founded in Canada in the early 2000s and has since experienced steady growth in the world of martial arts, with an emphasis on classic boxing. The company was founded by Russ Anber, a prominent name in the boxing world.Anber, a respected boxing trainer and coach, had an in-depth understanding of what fighters needed to improve their skills and excel in the ring. With this background and expertise, he aimed to produce high-quality equipment that would meet fighters’ needs.

FAST DELIVERY FROM STOCK

9,5 - Excellent from 1100+ reviews

10 € UPS - FREE FROM 300 ,-

Minimum order 35,-

CLICK 'N COLLECT

PHYSICAL SHOP

FAST DELIVERY FROM STOCK

9,5 - Excellent from 1100+ reviews

10 € UPS - FREE FROM 300 ,-

Minimum order 35,-

CLICK 'N COLLECT

PHYSICAL SHOP

FAST DELIVERY FROM STOCK

9,5 - Excellent from 1100+ reviews

10 € UPS - FREE FROM 300 ,-

Minimum order 35,-

CLICK 'N COLLECT

PHYSICAL SHOP

Home / Gear / Rival Boxing Gear / Headgear / Headgear Rival HG20 Classic

Brand	Rival Boxing Gear
Type	Headgear
Target group	Adults
Level	Advanced
Material	Leather
Color	Black
Size	S, M, L, XL
Closure	Velcro
Special	Fight2Win Choice
Weight	470 g
Design	Designed in Canada

Head circumference	Size
53 to 55 cm	S
56 to 58 cm	M
59 to 61 cm	L
62 to 64 cm	XL

Head circumference	Size
53 to 55 cm	S
56 to 58 cm	M
59 to 61 cm	L
62 to 64 cm	XL

Rival Boxing Gear HG20 Classic Headgear

The Rival HG20 Classic stays true to the original traditional Mexican design—the style that was the standard in professional boxing gyms worldwide for decades. A refreshed design with a modern look, built from the most durable materials for boxers of every level.

Rival HG20 Classic headgear - front view

Traditional Mexican design - improved visibility

The HG20 Classic stays true to the outstanding original design—but with a reworked eye and forehead opening for even better visibility during sparren. The small cheekbone protectors do not obstruct your vision while still performing their primary function of protecting the eyes and nose. The result: maximum awareness of your opponent with full facial protection.

Rival HG20 Classic - detail of small cheekbone protectors and improved visibility openings

Durable materials - from beginner to professional

The HG20 Classic is designed and made from the most durable materials—the perfect headgear for everyone, from beginners to the most demanding advanced and professional fighters. Professional-level comfort, stability, quality, and protection—accessible to every budget.

Rival HG20 Classic - detail of durable construction and materials

Velcro and lace closure - quick and precise adjustment

The HG20 combines two fastening systems: a quick and easy Velcro closure at the back for everyday use, and a traditional True Fit lace closure on top for precise fine-tuning. This combination provides a comfortable, secure fit that stays in place no matter how hard you train.

Rival HG20 Classic - detail of Velcro and lace fastening system

Flexible, lightweight, and cool

The HG20 Classic is flexible and lightweight, with an open top and inner lining to keep you cool under the most intense conditions. Suitable for boxing, kickboxing, and thai boxing. A classic choice that has proven its value for decades. Designed in Canada by Rival Boxing Gear.

Rival HG20 Classic - side view of finish and Rival branding

Specific features

+ 100% Leather

A product made from 100% leather is more durable, supple, and comfortable than synthetic alternatives. Genuine leather adapts to the user’s shape, breathes better, and retains its structure even after many hours of training—something synthetic leather simply cannot match.
Leather boxing gear is an investment that pays for itself: the material wears out less quickly, stays looking good for longer, and provides a premium feel that is immediately noticeable from the first use. For boxers who refuse to compromise on quality, 100% leather is the standard.
+ Lightweight

A lightweight construction means less fatigue during training—without compromising protection or durability. Less weight on your hands or head allows for faster movements, less muscle fatigue, and better technique during longer sessions.
Especially for boxers and kickboxers working on speed and endurance, weight is a factor that matters. Lightweight equipment lets you train harder and longer without the gear slowing you down.
+ Printed and embroidered Rival graphics

Rival products feature printed and embroidered graphics that enhance the brand’s premium look. The combination of printing and embroidery provides a finish that stays sharp—even after intensive use, sweat, and repeated washing.
While cheaper brands opt for simple stickers or surface prints that quickly fade, Rival invests in a durable graphic finish that keeps the product’s identity visible for the long term. A sign of quality that you truly appreciate after many hours of training.
+ Lace-up closure for a custom fit

A lace-up closure offers a fully adjustable fit that adapts to the individual user.
By precisely adjusting the laces, boxing gloves, groinguards and headgear fit exactly as desired, enhancing comfort and stability during intense sessions.
+ Chin strap for a perfect fit

A strap under the chin provides a secure and precisely adjustable attachment for the headgear.
The strap prevents shifting during intense sessions and ensures that the headgear always remains in the correct position .
+ Hook-and-loop closure

The hook-and-loop closure is the most commonly used closure in martial arts—and for good reason. It’s quick to put on, easy to adjust, and provides a secure, reliable fit without help from someone else.
The closure keeps the wrist stable during training and sparren, and remains just as effective after many sessions as it was on day one. Suitable for beginners and advanced athletes who value convenience without compromising support.
+ Small cheekbone protectors

The compactly designed cheek protectors of the Rival HG20 Classic are deliberately kept compact to keep the field of vision as open as possible. They effectively protect the eyes and nose without obstructing forward or peripheral vision—essential for staying alert and reacting quickly during sparren.
Combined with the HG20’s improved eye and forehead opening, this creates headgear that combines traditional Mexican design with a modern, open field of vision. Maximum protection without feeling like you’re sparring with blinders.

Ergo design

Rival strives, across as many product lines as possible, to guarantee an ergonomic and anatomical design that is as possible .

This principle forms the basis of the design philosophy and ensures that Rival Boxing Gear pays special attention to every aspect of every new idea – whether it concerns the correct anatomical fit for our RNFL groin protector or gloves such as the RB5 bag gloves that stay firmly secured, allowing you to form a perfect fist kunt maken.

Groinguard boxing Rival No Foul RNFL Pro 99,00

Groinguard boxing Rival RNFL10-360 D3O 149,00

Rival - Designed in Canada

In 2003, Russ Anber Rival Boxing Gear founded it—not as a businessman, but as someone who had spent decades in the gym and knew exactly what was lacking in the equipment available. He began innovating, patenting, and building, permanently changing the boxing world with patented designs in gloves, punching mitts, and handwraps.

“My gift was the ability to coach, break things down, analyze and make people understand how things work.” — Russ Anber

Fight2Win Choice

This product bears the Fight2Win Choice seal of approval — our personal recommendation based on years of experience in martial arts. We select only products that stand out in terms of value for money, durability, and real-world performance.

A Fight2Win Choice product is the best in its category: unique in its class, tested by our specialists, and proven in the gym. When we recommend it, we stand behind it.

Headgear Rival HG20 Classic infographic 1

Reviews & instructional videos

Csquared Boxing - Rival RHG-20 Headgear Review

Frequently Asked Questions — Headgear Rival HG20 Classic

Why do some headgear have an open chin?

Maximum visibility, minimal obstruction.

A headgear in combat sports such as boxing often has an open chin to improve the fighter's comfort and mobility.

This design allows fighters to see all incoming punches, especially hooks and uppercuts, without being hindered by thick padding.

The open design also allows for better head movement and countering opportunities during sparring sessions and training.

Some key benefits of open-chin headgear:

Improved visibility: an open-face design provides a wider and clearer field of vision, which is crucial for anticipating punches and reacting quickly, especially during training or sparren.
Improved mobility: the smaller amount of padding around the chin and cheeks allows for smoother head movement, enabling fighters to evade punches more effectively.
Focus on countering: by maintaining a clear view of their opponent, fighters can better anticipate and counter their attacks.
Fewer restrictions: open headgear is generally preferred for its greater comfort and breathability during intense training sessions.

Please note:

While open headgear prioritizes visibility and agility, it naturally provides less protection for the face, particularly the chin and nose, compared with headgear featuring a face bar or cheek protection.

However, the open design is often preferred because it allows fighters to sparren and train without feeling overly restricted in their freedom of movement. Many fighters are not fans of overly "bulky" protective gear anyway.

Collections

Headgear

Isn’t a buckle dangerous on headgear?

No.

Brands that use this type of classic fastening know:

first, that this is the most secure way to fasten a protector
second, they position the buckle well out of the way so it cannot injure the fighter in any way

Collections

Headgear

Blogs

Why headgear is so important in martial arts

How does the Rival HG20 Classic headgear fasten?

The HG20 Classic features a three-part closure system: a True Fit lace-up closure at the top for the basic fit, hook-and-loop closures at the back for quick adjustment, and a chin strap for a perfect, stable fit. This combination keeps the headgear in place, no matter how hard you train.

Collections

Rival Boxing Gear

Is the Rival HG20 Classic headgear suitable for both beginners and advanced users?

Yes. The Rival HG20 Classic is designed for everyone— from beginners to the most demanding advanced and professional fighters. The combination of durable materials, comfortable fit and professional-level protection makes it an excellent choice for every stage of your boxing development.

Collections

Rival Boxing Gear

How do I maintain the Rival HG20 Classic headgear?

Wipe the leather exterior with a damp cloth after every training session and let the headgear air out in a dry place — never store it directly in a sports bag. Treat the leather regularly with a leather conditioner to prevent it from drying out. The microfiber lining can be cleaned with a mild cleaner. Store the headgear away from direct sunlight.

Collections

Rival Boxing Gear

Products

Leather grease Rapide Original 10,00

What is the story behind Rival Boxing Gear?

Rival Boxing Gear was founded in Canada in the early 2000s and has since experienced steady growth in the world of martial arts, with an emphasis on classic boxing. The company was founded by Russ Anber, a prominent name in the boxing world.

Anber, a respected boxing trainer and coach, had an in-depth understanding of what fighters needed to improve their skills and excel in the ring. With this background and expertise, he aimed to produce high-quality equipment that would meet fighters’ needs.

Collections

Rival Boxing Gear

Products