TL;DR: The Isami IBX 16 oz boxing gloves are no longer in production, but we still hear from customers looking for them all the time. If you want the closest thing to that old Isami feel, the Isami Pro Boxing Gloves are the premium choice. If you specifically need 16oz gloves for sparring, your best options are the RIZIN Sparring Gloves, Tenshin Boxing Gloves, and Thai Boxing Gloves.
If you're trying to find the right replacement, browse our current Isami boxing glove collection and choose the model that best fits your training.
Is the Isami IBX 16 discontinued?
Yes. The Isami IBX 16 was officially discontinued in April 2024, and there are no restocks planned.
Even so, the demand never really went away. We still get regular inquiries from people who have read old reviews, forum posts, and recommendations praising these gloves. That says a lot about the reputation the IBX built over the years.
Why was the Isami IBX 16 so popular?
The IBX 16 earned its following the old-fashioned way: by being genuinely good.
It was handcrafted in Japan and designed for fighters who wanted a glove that felt serious without being overbuilt. The three-layer padding system gave it a nice balance of protection and feedback, while the soft grip and natural hand position made it comfortable for long sessions.
In practical terms, it was the kind of glove that felt right as soon as you put it on. Protective enough for sparring, responsive enough to still enjoy punching in. That combination is rare, which is why people still search for the Isami IBX 16 years after it was discontinued.
What replaced the Isami IBX 16?
This is the most important thing to understand: there is no direct one-to-one replacement for the IBX 16.
Our workshop in Japan currently produces boxing gloves up to 14oz only. So if you're specifically looking for a Japan-made Isami glove, the closest current option is the Isami Pro Boxing Gloves.
If you need a true 16oz sparring glove, Isami still offers excellent premium alternatives made for the Japanese market. These are not produced in Japan, but they are still high-quality gloves built to meet the expectations of serious fighters and coaches.
Best alternatives to the Isami IBX 16
1. Isami Pro Boxing Gloves
If what you loved about the IBX was the craftsmanship, leather quality, and precise feel, this is the model to look at first.
The Isami Pro is a very premium glove with the kind of finishing you expect from top-tier Japanese gear. It has that refined feel that makes experienced boxers smile a little as soon as they lace up. The catch is simple: it currently goes only up to 14oz.
Best for: pad work, technical training, and fighters who want true Made-in-Japan quality.
2. RIZIN Sparring Gloves
If your priority is real 16oz sparring use, the RIZIN model is one of the best places to start.
These gloves are built for the kind of training where comfort, protection, and durability all matter. They offer a strong balance for regular sparring without feeling clumsy or oversized.
Best for: boxers and kickboxers who need a dependable 16oz glove for regular gym use.
3. Tenshin Boxing Gloves
The Tenshin model is a strong alternative for people who want a more modern 16oz glove with a clean, performance-focused feel.
It has a sharper, more athletic personality to it, with good wrist support and a fit that many fighters find easy to work with from day one.
Best for: athletes who want a premium glove for sparring and technical work, with a slightly more modern feel.
4. Thai Boxing Gloves
If you want a durable and versatile option in 16oz, these are well worth considering.
They hold up well to frequent training and offer the kind of comfort and protection that makes sense for people who split their time between sparring, drills, and bag work.
Best for: fighters who want a reliable all-around glove for hard weekly use.
How does Isami compare to other premium gloves?
A lot of customers looking for the old IBX also ask how Isami compares to brands like Winning or Cleto Reyes.
That is a fair question.
Winning is famous for soft, highly protective gloves. Cleto Reyes is known for a punchier, more aggressive feel. Isami has always sat somewhere in between, with a focus on balance, control, and craftsmanship.
That middle ground is exactly why the IBX had such a loyal following. It felt premium without feeling delicate, and protective without turning your hands into couch cushions.
How to choose the right replacement
If you're trying to replace the IBX 16, the smartest move is not to chase the old name. It is to identify what you actually liked about it.
- If you want the closest craftsmanship and feel: choose the Isami Pro Boxing Gloves.
- If you need 16oz for real sparring: choose the RIZIN Sparring Gloves or Tenshin Boxing Gloves.
- If you want a durable all-around training option: choose the Thai Boxing Gloves.
That is really the key. The IBX 16 is gone, but the right glove for your training is still here.
Final thoughts
The Isami IBX 16 Boxing Sparring Gloves were special, and the reputation they built was deserved. But if you're looking for them today, the better move is to use that old glove as a reference point and choose the best current option for how you actually train now.
If you want true Made-in-Japan quality, go with the Isami Pro Boxing Gloves. If you need 16oz sparring gloves, the RIZIN, Tenshin, and Thai models will point you in the right direction.
Browse our premium Isami boxing gloves at ChokeSports and find the model that fits your training best.
