Every fight in the Rocky franchise tells a story, and so do the gloves. These weren’t just props—they were real, professional-grade boxing gloves, chosen by Stallone and his team to fit the tone of each battle. Whether it was the sleek, fight-illegal Casanovas in Rocky, the heavy-hitting Cleto Reyes gloves in Rocky II, or the modern Grant gloves in Creed, every pair had its own history.
So, what gloves did Rocky use? Let’s go round by round and break down the gloves that shaped the legend.
(1976, Rocky) Casanova Boxing Gloves: The Underground Look
When Stallone picked Casanova boxing gloves for the original Rocky, he wasn’t just choosing any gloves. He wanted a pair that looked good on screen and hit hard.
Casanova, a Mexican brand founded in 1948, was gaining popularity in the U.S. at the time. Unlike bulkier American gloves, Casanova gloves were compact and puncher-friendly. They had thin padding over the knuckles, making them perfect for fighters who relied on power. Even today, they are considered among the best boxing gloves in the world.
The Gloves That Made Stallone and Weathers Suffer
Both Stallone and Carl Weathers wore red lace-up Casanova gloves in the final fight, and they weren’t just for show. The actors felt real pain while filming the final fight in Rocky. The Casanova gloves inflicted serious damage, making every hit more brutal.
“Casanova gloves,” explained Stallone, “were illegal in the U.S., but the filmmakers decided to use them because of their sleek appearance.”
These gloves weren’t just for style. Their minimal padding made punches look and feel more intense, adding raw power to the fight scenes.
Why Casanova Gloves Hit Harder
Casanova gloves are lightweight, usually 6 to 6.5 ounces, much lighter than modern fight gloves. While this benefits power punchers, it also puts a fighter’s hands at risk.
Unlike today’s standard gloves, Casanova gloves feature unattached thumbs. This design allows more flexibility but offers less protection, which many modern fighters avoid.
Casanova vs. Knockoffs – How to Spot the Real Thing
Today, Casanova operates under the Necalli brand in the U.S. You can find the real gloves at Necalli Boxing.
However, counterfeit Casanova gloves flood the market, especially those made in Pakistan. These fakes may look similar but lack the quality of the original Mexican gloves.
🔹 How to spot real Casanova gloves? Look for the logo only on the wrist. If branding appears elsewhere, it’s likely a knockoff.
Rocky’s Most Iconic Memorabilia
The red Casanova gloves from Rocky became one of the most legendary pieces of memorabilia in the franchise.
Sasha Stallone, Sly’s then-wife, captured many of the most famous stills of Stallone wearing these gloves. These images remain some of the most recognizable in the series, appearing on posters and promotional materials.
Despite auctioning off a massive collection of Rocky memorabilia in 2015, Stallone kept his original Casanova gloves. They remain one of the most prized pieces of Rocky history.
Everlast Hand Wraps & Promotional Photos
Casanova gloves weren’t the only fight gear featured in Rocky.
For promotional photos, Stallone wore white Everlast hand wraps, which became legendary in their own right. These wraps are especially visible in his portraits with Talia Shire.
These photos appeared on early Rocky posters, including the original United Artists poster.
👉 Casanova boxing gloves are still handmade in Mexico today and can be ordered directly from the manufacturer.
(1979, Rocky II) Cleto Reyes Gloves: The Champ’s Choice
By Rocky II, it wasn’t just about survival. Rocky had to prove he was more than a lucky puncher. His gear reflected that.
In the rematch against Apollo Creed, Stallone ditched the sleek Casanova gloves from Rocky and switched to Cleto Reyes gloves. These gloves were made for serious fighters who needed speed, accuracy, and power.
The Legendary Cleto Reyes Name
Cleto Reyes gloves have been a staple in professional boxing since the 1940s. They’ve been used by legends like Muhammad Ali, Sugar Ray Leonard, and Manny Pacquiao.
What sets them apart? Reyes gloves feature firm padding, a sleek fit, and premium goat leather. They’re designed for fighters who rely on speed and precision.
Unlike bulkier, more protective gloves, Reyes gloves let you feel every punch. This made them a perfect fit for Rocky’s high-risk, high-reward fighting style.
Both Stallone and Carl Weathers wore red Cleto Reyes lace-up gloves for their championship fight in Rocky II.
Unlike their first match, where Apollo controlled the action, this fight was a brutal war of attrition. The gloves took a beating, and so did Stallone.
Stallone’s Own Words on These Gloves: They’re For Tough Guys
In 2015, Heritage Auctions put the original Rocky II fight-worn Cleto Reyes gloves up for sale, with a starting bid of $300,000. These gloves weren’t just movie props—they were part of a fight Stallone considers the best of the entire franchise. Here’s what he had to say about them:
“The whole point was that this fight was going to be to the very end and no one was going to be holding any prisoners. These are real relics, the only ones in the world. This is it, there is no other pair. This is when Rocky raises the belt at the very end. These are the gloves he was wearing. These are the only gloves I wore in that fight which I consider the best of all the Rocky fights! I always go back to Rocky II as the most extraordinary boxing fight I’ve ever seen! These are the magic wands!”
— Sylvester Stallone (via Heritage Auctions)
In June, 2015, a pair of black Tuf-Wear gloves worn by Sly for Rocky II promotional purposes sold at auction for an incredible $34,000 (see the black gloves and boots here.) Stallone also wore a pair of black Casanova boxing gloves and a pair of red Casanova gloves (just like the ones in the original Rocky) for publicity photos with Carl Weathers.
StalloneZone reports that Sly flagged an in-authentic pair of black gloves in 2011, supposedly used in Rocky II, and had the pair pulled from a major auction.
The Reyes Difference: Why Fighters Still Wear Them
Reyes gloves are handmade in Mexico and designed for serious fighters. The horsehair padding makes them lighter and more compact than most modern gloves, which is why they’re favored by aggressive, technical punchers. They provide:
- Faster hand speed – The slimmer design allows for quicker, sharper punches.
- More punching power – Less padding means you feel your shots land—great for knockouts.
- Top-tier craftsmanship – Premium goat leather, hand-stitched for perfect wrist support.
Even decades after Rocky II, Cleto Reyes gloves remain one of the most respected brands in boxing. If you want to train like a real fighter—or own a piece of boxing history—you can still get a pair today.
👉 Looking for authentic Cleto Reyes gloves? They’re still available and trusted by pro boxers worldwide.
(1982) Tuf-Wear Gloves – Rocky III’s Power Move
By Rocky III, Balboa had evolved. He wasn’t just a scrappy underdog anymore—he was a champion who fought with precision, speed, and power. His gear evolved with him. In this film, Tuf-Wear boxing gloves became the new standard, featured prominently throughout both his training and fights.
Tuf-Wear, a New York-based brand, was one of the biggest names in boxing during the 1970s and ’80s. The company was known for its rugged durability and no-nonsense design, making it a popular choice for professional fighters. These gloves were built for serious impact—dense padding, reinforced wrist support, and a firm structure that allowed fighters to generate serious punching power without sacrificing protection.
Rocky III Gloves in Training & Fights
Tuf-Wear gloves made multiple appearances in Rocky III, showing up in both training montages and major fights:
- Black Tuf-Wear gloves – Worn briefly by Stallone in the opening “Eye of the Tiger” training montage. These screen-used gloves were later sold at auction.
- Gold Tuf-Wear gloves – Seen in Rocky’s first fight against Clubber Lang, where he gets demolished in two rounds. These gloves perfectly matched his gold-and-black Italian Stallion trunks.
- Red Tuf-Wear gloves – The ones Rocky wore in the rematch against Clubber, where he reclaims the heavyweight championship.
Stallone wasn’t the only one lacing up Tuf-Wear. Mr. T, as Clubber Lang, also wore red Tuf-Wear gloves, making them the official fight gloves of the film.
The Training & Publicity Gear
Beyond the main fights, Rocky’s boxing gloves in Rocky III included a variety of Tuf-Wear training equipment:
- Tuf-Wear heavy bag gloves – Used in Apollo Creed’s gym as Rocky sharpened his footwork.
- Tuf-Wear red sparring gloves – Featured in some of the film’s promo shots.
Even outside the film, Stallone continued using Tuf-Wear gloves for publicity photos. Some of the most famous Rocky III shots feature him wearing black Tuf-Wear gloves, paired with black trunks and boots. These images were later used in promotional posters and merchandise.
Why Tuf-Wear Was the Perfect Fit for Rocky III
The switch to Tuf-Wear gloves made sense for Rocky III. These gloves were designed for:
- Durability – Built to last, even after intense training sessions.
- Power Punching – Firm padding that lets fighters land hard shots without compromising speed.
- Wrist Support – Ideal for Rocky’s more structured, tactical approach to fighting in this film.
Tuf-Wear remained a dominant force in the boxing world throughout the ‘80s, but by the time Rocky IV rolled around, the brand’s presence started to fade. However, for Rocky III, they were the ultimate champion’s glove.
👉 Want to train like Rocky? While Tuf-Wear isn’t as widely used today, vintage Tuf-Wear gloves are still highly sought after by collectors and boxing enthusiasts.
(1985) Tuf-Wear Gloves – The Gloves of War in Rocky IV
By Rocky IV, the stakes had never been higher. This wasn’t just another title fight—this was Rocky vs. Drago, USA vs. USSR, heart vs. machine. And for a fight of this magnitude, the gloves had to match the intensity. Once again, the franchise stuck with Tuf-Wear boxing gloves, a brand known for its durability, dense padding, and ability to withstand heavy punishment.
The Tuf-Wear gloves in Rocky IV weren’t just part of the action—they were symbols of the war being fought in the ring. From the flashy Las Vegas spectacle of Apollo Creed vs. Ivan Drago to the brutal, snow-covered Soviet battleground where Rocky sought revenge, these gloves became part of the movie’s most defining moments.
The Gloves That Open the War
One of the most iconic shots in Rocky IV is the opening sequence: a white American flag boxing glove slamming into a red USSR glove, both labeled with “Tuf-Wear,” before exploding on impact. This wasn’t just a cool visual—it set the tone for everything that followed.
From the start, the gloves were a statement, reinforcing the Cold War tension that made Rocky IV more than just a sports movie.
Apollo Creed’s Final Fight: White Tuf–Wear Gloves
Apollo Creed, ever the showman, entered the ring for his Las Vegas fight against Ivan Drago decked out in full patriotic gear, wearing white Tuf-Wear gloves with red accents. In what would be his last fight, Apollo took on the massive Soviet boxer in front of a roaring crowd.
Drago, wearing red Tuf-Wear gloves, dominated the fight in brutal fashion, landing devastating blows that left Apollo defenseless. In one of the most tragic moments of the series, Drago’s final punch—delivered with those same red gloves—killed Apollo in the ring.
Stallone made sure the gloves were part of the storytelling:
- Apollo’s white gloves symbolized his American pride, his belief in showmanship, and his willingness to fight against the odds.
- Drago’s red gloves represented Soviet dominance, brute force, and a machine-like fighting style that didn’t care about consequences.
The choice of Tuf-Wear gloves for this fight gave the scene an authentic, professional feel, reinforcing the realism that had always been key to Rocky fight sequences.
Rocky’s Revenge in Russia: Red Tuf-Wear Gloves
After Apollo’s death, Rocky had one goal: vengeance. He traveled to the Soviet Union to take on Drago on his own turf, training in the harshest conditions to prepare for the fight of his life. When he stepped into the ring in Moscow, he was wearing red Tuf-Wear gloves—the same style Drago wore when he killed Apollo.
The final fight in Rocky IV is one of the most legendary in boxing movie history. For 15 brutal rounds, Rocky absorbed punishment from Drago’s Soviet-engineered power punches while delivering relentless counterattacks of his own.
Both Stallone and Dolph Lundgren wore red Tuf-Wear gloves for the entire fight, which was choreographed to look as real as possible. The punches were hard, the action was intense, and by the end, Rocky had done the impossible—he defeated Drago and won over the Soviet crowd.
Why Tuf-Wear Was the Perfect Fit for Rocky IV
Tuf-Wear gloves had already been established as the go-to fight glove for Rocky III, but their presence in Rocky IV took things to another level. They were built for:
- Hard-Hitting Fighters – The dense padding and snug fit made them perfect for powerful punchers like Drago and Rocky.
- Realism on Screen – These weren’t Hollywood props—Tuf-Wear gloves were real professional-grade boxing gloves, adding authenticity to every scene.
- Symbolism – Whether it was Apollo’s flashy white gloves, Drago’s cold red gloves, or Rocky’s battle-worn Tuf-Wears, the gloves told a story in every moment.
Tuf-Wear’s Lasting Legacy
Although Tuf-Wear was a dominant boxing brand in the ‘80s, by the ‘90s, brands like Everlast and Grant started taking over the professional fight scene. However, Tuf-Wear gloves from the Rocky movies are still highly sought after by collectors and fans.
If you’re looking for Rocky IV boxing gloves or want to own a piece of Rocky’s gloves history, vintage Tuf-Wear gloves can still be found through specialty boxing gear shops and online auctions.
👉 Want to train like Rocky? While Tuf-Wear may not dominate the fight world today, their red gloves remain one of the most iconic pieces of Rocky IV memorabilia.
(1990) Tuf-Wear Boxing Gear & Ringside Gloves in Rocky V
You didn’t think we’d even mention Rocky V, did you?
Because of his brain damage and forced retirement, Rocky never fights in the ring wearing gloves. In fact, one of the only times he even touches a boxing glove is when he walks into the abandoned Mickey’s Gym, picks up a dusty old leather glove from the floor, and stares at it like a guy realizing his best years are way behind him.
Rocky’s Training Gloves: Black Tuf-Wear Punch Mitts
Although Rocky wasn’t fighting, he was still training fighters at Mickey’s Gym, taking a young and hungry Tommy Gunn under his wing. During these training sequences, Stallone is seen wearing black Tuf-Wear punch mitts—a key piece of gear for coaching boxers.
- These mitts were a shift from Rocky’s usual in-ring gloves, showing his new role as a mentor instead of a fighter.
- Tuf-Wear mitts were a real training tool used by professional boxing coaches, and Stallone’s choice to wear them added to the film’s realism.
Stallone also wore black Tuf-Wear gloves in promotional photos for the film, though they weren’t seen in major fight sequences.
Tommy Gunn’s Gloves: Black Ringside Boxing Gloves
Tommy Gunn, played by real-life boxer Tommy Morrison, spent much of the movie training at Mickey’s Gym, where he wore black Ringside boxing gloves. Ringside was a well-known boxing equipment brand in the late ‘80s and ‘90s, providing gloves, bags, and training gear to professional and amateur fighters alike.
Once Tommy turned pro, however, things got interesting. In his professional fights, the Ringside logos were taped over, making the brand nearly unrecognizable. This wasn’t just a random design choice—it was a real technique used in boxing during that era.
- Tommy Morrison, in real life, often used extra tape on his gloves for added wrist support, a trick that carried over into his portrayal of Tommy Gunn.
- In Rocky V, the tape-over detail was a nod to real boxing practices, adding another layer of authenticity to Tommy’s pro career progression.
No Gloves in the Final Fight – The Bare-Knuckle Brawl
Unlike every Rocky movie before it, the final fight in Rocky V wasn’t in a boxing ring—it was on the streets. Instead of lacing up gloves for one last match, Rocky took on Tommy Gunn in a brutal bare-knuckle street fight, proving that even without gloves, he was still a fighter at heart.
This was a major departure from the franchise’s usual formula, reinforcing that Rocky had moved past traditional boxing, but his instinct to fight and defend his legacy never faded.
(2006) Everlast Gloves – The Final Fight in Rocky Balboa
After years away from the ring, Rocky Balboa wasn’t supposed to fight again. But in Rocky Balboa (2006), the Italian Stallion proved that heart, skill, and experience don’t fade with age. When he stepped into the ring for one last battle against Mason “The Line” Dixon, he laced up a pair of black Everlast boxing gloves—a fitting choice for a fighter who had come full circle.
Everlast – A Boxing Legacy Since 1910
Everlast isn’t just a brand—it’s the brand when it comes to boxing gear. Founded in 1910, Everlast has been the go-to glove for some of the biggest names in boxing history, including Jack Dempsey, Joe Louis, Muhammad Ali, and Mike Tyson.
In fact, Everlast became the standard fight glove of the sport, used in world championship bouts for decades. It was Jack Dempsey himself who convinced Everlast to start making boxing gloves back in 1917, and by 1919, he was wearing them when he won the heavyweight title.
For Rocky’s final on-screen fight, it made perfect sense that he would wear the most recognizable gloves in boxing history.
The Gloves Rocky Wore in the Dixon Fight
In the movie’s climactic bout, Rocky and Mason Dixon both wear black Everlast boxing gloves—matching gloves for a classic, old-school vs. new-school showdown.
Unlike the flashy Cleto Reyes or the compact Tuf-Wear gloves from past fights, Everlast gloves offer a balanced blend of protection, power, and durability. They’re built for both offense and defense—perfect for a fighter like Rocky, who had to rely on experience, strategy, and grit against a younger, faster opponent.
Before the actual fight scenes were filmed in Las Vegas, Stallone also posed for promotional shots wearing red Everlast gloves, which were used in some of the film’s early marketing materials.
Why Everlast Was the Right Choice for Rocky Balboa
- The ultimate classic – Everlast has been around for over 100 years, making it the most legendary name in boxing gloves.
- Balanced performance – Everlast gloves are known for solid wrist support, good padding, and an all-around great fit.
- Symbolism – After decades of fighting, Rocky wasn’t using trendy, high-tech gloves—he went back to basics, proving that the fundamentals never go out of style.
👉 Want to train like Rocky? Everlast boxing gloves are still one of the best choices for fighters at any level—whether you’re hitting the bag or stepping into the ring.
(2015) Grant Boxing Gloves – “The Best in the World”
By Creed (2015), Rocky wasn’t the one throwing punches anymore, but that didn’t mean he stopped caring about the best fight gear. When Adonis Creed stepped into the ring, he did so wearing 10 oz. custom Grant boxing gloves—and that wasn’t just a random wardrobe decision.
When Rocky takes his new protege Adonis Creed over to Front Street Gym to meet the guys, he introduces Donny to Phillips, the real-life CEO of Grant Boxing Gloves who had a cameo in this scene. “This is my good friend Elvis Grant,” Rocky says as he makes the introduction. “He makes the best gloves in the world. He’s going to make your gloves, that’s my gift to you.”
When Donny fights Leo Sporino under the fighting name of Adonis Johnson, he wears black Grant boxing gloves. Rocky’s custom made pair presented to Adonis for his title match against Ricky Conlan are predominately white with metallic red and blue accents; these gloves are very visible on the Creed movie poster.
Grant – The Elite Fighter’s Choice
Unlike Everlast or Cleto Reyes, Grant is a luxury boxing brand, known for its handmade, high-quality gloves that are favored by world champions. Founded in the 1990s by Grant Elvis Phillips, Grant gloves quickly became a favorite among top-tier fighters, including Floyd Mayweather, Gennady Golovkin, and Bernard Hopkins.
Unlike most companies that pay big bucks for movie placements, Grant didn’t have to. Stallone personally called Grant’s CEO, Elvis Phillips, and asked to use his gloves in the film. The exposure ended up being huge for the brand. Not only did Grant become associated with the Rocky legacy, but Elvis Phillips himself even made a cameo in the film, appearing in the gym when Rocky introduces Adonis to the team.
“Stallone called me himself and asked me if they could use Grant in the new Creed film,” Grant Elvis Phillips explained of his product’s on-screen placement, fitted over the fists of all the fighters in the movie. “Same with Southpaw. [Jake] Gyllenhaal called me himself to use Grant in the film. Unlike my competitors, they need to write a check … I don’t. I just stay in my lane and keep making the best and leave the rest in God’s hands.”
The Gloves Adonis Wore in Creed
- Black Grant gloves – Used in Adonis’ first fight against Leo Sporino.
- Custom white-and-blue Grant gloves – Worn in the title fight against Ricky Conlan. These gloves were specially designed for the film and prominently featured on the Creed movie poster.
Grant gloves are built for elite-level boxing. They feature Ortho foam padding, which does an incredible job at absorbing impact while maintaining a sleek, compact design. Unlike bulkier gloves, Grant gloves are designed for speed, power, and precision, making them the perfect choice for a fast, technical fighter like Adonis.
One standout feature of Grant gloves is their larger thumb design, which offers superior wrist protection. However, this also makes them unsuitable for MMA or Muay Thai, as they are specifically designed for pure boxing.
Why Grant Gloves Are the Best in the Business
- Premium craftsmanship – Handmade in Mexico, these gloves are custom-built for professional fighters.
- Ideal for power punchers – Stiff padding provides a satisfying impact without excessive bulk.
- Designed for speed – Sleek, compact, and made for high-volume punchers like Mayweather.
- Elite-level exclusivity – Grant gloves aren’t sold in sporting goods stores. They’re custom-ordered and typically start at $300+.
Where to Get Grant Boxing Gloves
If you want to own the same gloves used in Creed, be prepared to pay top dollar. Grant gloves are used almost exclusively by professional fighters, a typical pair runs $300+ and most are custom made. You can have a pair ordered through their official website.
Train Like Rocky – Shop Authentic Boxing Gloves & Gear
Every pair of Rocky’s boxing gloves tells a story. From the illegal Casanova gloves in Rocky to the championship Cleto Reyes in Rocky II and the modern Grant gloves in Creed, each glove choice reflected the evolution of the character and the sport. These weren’t just movie props—they were real, professional-grade boxing gloves, handpicked for their authenticity and impact.
If you’re a die-hard Rocky fan or a fighter looking for the best boxing gear, we’ve got you covered. Check out our specially curated Rocky boxing merchandise available on Amazon. Whether you need authentic gloves, training gear, or collectibles, we’ve got the best selection for every fan and fighter.
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