By Harvey Hudson
A boxing enthusiast, who unfortunately had to give up his passion at the age of 19 due to hand issues, confidently asserts that he will revolutionize the boxing industry through his innovative glove design.
According to Ben Amanna, the CEO and founder of Boxraw, a brand known for its extensive range of apparel, every product is designed with a specific purpose catering to boxers. He firmly believes that his brand stands out from the competition in a highly competitive market.
He states that the boxing market has consistently been genuine, and this applies to the products we introduce as well, especially the equipment. Every item is designed with a genuine purpose in mind, aiming to solve a specific problem.
Hand pain is arguably the most significant issue a boxer can face, and Amanna has firsthand experience with this. He has been dealing with arthritis since a young age, and unfortunately, this condition has prevented him from participating in competitions.
At the age of 12, he began his journey in his hometown. It all began when he heard about a club in Coventry that was offering a complimentary summer class for children. Intrigued, he decided to give it a go and from that moment on, he was hooked. The passion for boxing ignited within him instantly. However, his competitive boxing career came to an abrupt halt around the age of 19 due to the onset of arthritis in his wrists and knuckles.
Boxing lost its appeal to me as I found myself investing excessive time and money into wrapping my hands and purchasing costly gloves, all in an attempt to reclaim the joy in the sport.
While practicing on the heavy bag, I constantly had to restrain my punches and be cautious of my wrist’s well-being, preventing me from fully unleashing my power or delivering certain punches.
“It has always astonished me how prevalent injuries in boxing, particularly to a boxer’s hands, are considered to be a normal part of the sport.”
As I examined boxing gloves and compared them to equipment used in other sports, I noticed a clear progression in how products have been developed to address specific challenges. However, when it comes to boxing gloves, it appears that they all remain stagnant, without much innovation or variation.
At the age of 33, Amanna is determined to make a difference. She proudly claims that their glove is the most aerodynamic one globally, having been compared to all the leading competitors. Users of our 12oz glove have expressed that it feels even lighter, like a 10oz glove. Similarly, those who have tried our 16oz glove have noticed it feels lighter, resembling a 12oz glove. This exceptional experience is due to its exceptional weight distribution and compact design.
I aspire to develop a solution that eliminates concerns about unnecessary injuries for boxers. Although I can’t divulge many details about the specific features, envision a glove that enables you to hit with greater force and swiftness.
When can we expect the release of this highly anticipated glove that is supposed to revolutionize the game? Boxraw has been teasing it for a duration of three years during the research and development phase. However, a recent post on social media suggests that its launch might be imminent.
Amanna announced on her Instagram account on February 19th that the boxing world is about to undergo a permanent transformation this summer. Her caption accompanied a video detailing the highly anticipated launch of the brand’s boxing gloves.
While we await this unveiling, Boxraw’s apparel has already been sported by stars of the sport and even been seen on the big screen, with endorsements from the likes of Terence Crawford, Gervonta ‘Tank’ Davis and Amanda Serrano, and appearances in the Creed movie franchise.
Amanna states, “By having these individuals wear our brand, we have successfully gained significant credibility in the industry. It serves as a validation for our efforts, as these individuals willingly endorse our brand without any monetary compensation. They genuinely appreciate our brand and the value it adds to their lives.”
The involvement with the Creed movies began in the second instalment, when Amanna reached out to the costume designers and arranged for some of the extras to wear Boxraw-branded clothes. Lead actor Michael B Jordan then saw these while on set, liked what he saw, bought some in bulk, and organised for the brand to have a bigger presence in Creed III.
Nevertheless, despite the immeasurable value of this exposure, Amanna remains unsatisfied with his performance. He acknowledges, “It was undeniably cool, but what truly thrilled me was the exhilarating journey leading up to it – the relentless pursuit of the idea and the countless efforts we invested to secure our spot.” Reflecting on the final product, he admits, “As I watched the movie, I couldn’t help but think that I could have executed certain aspects more effectively, and there were missed opportunities for improvement.” However, he clarifies that his dissatisfaction stems from his ambitious vision for the brand’s future and his determination to propel it to greater heights.
Amanna believes that our vision goes beyond promoting our brand – it is about uplifting the sport of boxing as a whole. Unlike other boxing brands, both in the past and present, we have a clear mission to enhance and advance the sport.
“I am committed to dedicating my life to serving and enhancing the lives of boxers, continually striving to bring more benefits to them. My ultimate objective is to educate and enlighten a wider audience about the advantages of this sport. This passion will endure until my last breath.”
Capturing the emotions of the audience is of utmost importance as it allows them to truly grasp the essence of the sport. It is not simply a matter of two individuals pummeling each other in the ring; it encompasses a multitude of elements. The sport embodies discipline, mindfulness, love, and community.
Despite being unable to compete due to arthritis, he remains deeply passionate about the sport because of the profound love and sense of community it fosters.
Amanna is straightforward and concise when expressing his ultimate objective with Boxraw – “To revolutionize boxing and become the driving force behind its global popularity.”
