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Boxing gloves that in 8oz, 10oz, 12oz, 14oz, 16oz or 18oz. Is this sizing related to the hand size or to the amount of protection that it's offer?

For use in sparring. Is it better to have the heavier glove? How should I choose the size of my boxing glove?

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What are you getting the glove for? Training at a gym, training at home, hitting a bag, competition? – Dave Liepmann Dec 5 '12 at 1:51
@DaveLiepmann Let's said for sparring in a gym but I would be also interested to known what kind of glove is used in competition. – aberration Dec 5 '12 at 4:25
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Competitions will often have requirements for gloves. For sparring and heavy bag I use 16oz gloves, personal preference. For choosing the size, try them on and see how they feel. Try different weight of gloves. – Wayne In ML Dec 5 '12 at 17:13

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You'll likely need a couple pairs of gloves. most gyms require a certain size for sparring. Probably 16oz. This tends to be the size required for boxing and muay thai fights as well.

For hitting a bag, i like to use light gloves and that is how my muay thai instructor taught me.

Some people like to use the 18oz for training so that when they fight, their gloves feel lighter and they will be faster. I'm not a big fan of this, because, in theory, your aim could be affected and I'm a big fan of training as close to how you compete.

Bottom line is this: Ask the coach what he would recommend/require, and if they have no recommendation, go with 16oz for your first pair. Try on the gloves before you buy them. Everyone's hands are a bit different so some gloves might not fit quite right.

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For have heavier glove why not use wrist weight? – aberration Dec 6 '12 at 20:33
The weight of gloves in fight depends on the weight division. As a welter or junior welter (-67kg) in muay thai (in europe) i usually got 10oz. – kioopi Dec 7 '12 at 10:25
aberration: that is an option, but would probably add to much weight. kioopi: That is very interesting. Around here ( in ontario, canada) I was under the impression that it was 16 all the time. Could just be our government trying to hard to keep people safe. – Patricia Dec 7 '12 at 17:57
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Heavier gloves are generally preferred in sparring; in my gym, most amateurs won't spar in less than 16oz gloves.

Pros generally use 8oz gloves in a fight (although this is a negotation point when making a match sometimes), in an amateur bout I believe you must use at least 10oz gloves; although the exact specification depends on age/weight/experience.

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