The Craftsmanship Behind the Knockouts: How Cleto Reyes Gloves Became Boxing’s Gold Standard

In a world of flashy boxing events dominated by mega-promoters and star-studded showdowns, one thing remains unchanged—the legendary Cleto Reyes boxing gloves, handcrafted with precision and tradition. Alberto Reyes, the man behind the iconic brand, continues to uphold the legacy of his father, who founded the company in the 1940s. These gloves, cherished by legends like Muhammad Ali, Manny Pacquiao, and even the fictional Rocky Balboa, are a testament to the enduring craftsmanship and commitment to quality that define Cleto Reyes.

One of the most memorable moments in the company’s history came in 1978, during Muhammad Ali’s fight to reclaim his heavyweight title from Leon Spinks. Despite a contract with a different glove supplier, Ali insisted on using Cleto Reyes gloves. The promoters agreed, but only if Ali covered the brand’s logo with tape. However, once inside the ring, the ever-defiant Ali asked his trainer to remove the tape, revealing the Cleto Reyes name to the world. The iconic image of Ali, drenched in sweat and fending off a brutal swing from Spinks, with “Cleto Reyes” clearly visible on his gloves, was published worldwide, cementing the brand’s status in boxing history.

Behind these legendary gloves is a story of passion, dedication, and skilled craftsmanship. Ruben Albarran, who has been with Cleto Reyes for decades, recalls the pride he felt seeing his handiwork on Ali’s hands. “It was one of the first pairs I made,” Albarran remembers. “When I saw the fight, I was so excited for the company. Then I saw the picture in the newspaper.” Albarran’s journey mirrors that of many at Cleto Reyes, where the love for boxing and craftsmanship go hand in hand.

The legacy of Cleto Reyes began in the 1930s when a young man named Cleto Reyes, who idolized Mexico’s emerging boxing stars, stepped into the ring as an amateur. After a short-lived career that lasted just three rounds, Reyes shifted his focus to crafting boxing gloves, using his skills from stitching baseball gear. His reputation for making top-notch gloves quickly spread among boxers, and soon, champions like Joe Louis, George Foreman, and Sugar Ray Leonard were using Cleto Reyes gloves in their most significant bouts.

Alberto Reyes proudly continues his father’s tradition, emphasizing that the company has never paid a fighter to wear its gloves. “They use them because they feel safe, because they know they’re going to score a knockout,” he says. The gloves are meticulously crafted from the finest leather, with each pair being cut, sewn, and stuffed by hand using foam and horsehair, all on old-fashioned sewing machines. Priced at 1,380 pesos ($75) per pair, these gloves offer unparalleled comfort and protection, a fact attested by top trainers like Ignacio Beristain, who has coached Mexican champions like Juan Manuel Marquez and Ricardo Lopez.

Cleto Reyes gloves are more than just a piece of equipment; they are a symbol of Mexican pride and excellence. The factory walls in Mexico City are adorned with pictures of presidents, celebrities, and boxing legends proudly wearing Cleto Reyes gloves. In a fitting tribute to their legacy, public health officials in Mexico recently launched a breast cancer awareness campaign, donning bright pink Cleto Reyes gloves to symbolize the fight against the disease.

For those who work at Cleto Reyes, like Albarran, it’s not just a job—it’s a passion. “It’s a pleasure to work for a company that is internationally recognized,” says Albarran, who now stitches the company’s other products, like punching bags. The Cleto Reyes brand stands as a beacon of tradition, quality, and pride, continuing to shape the future of boxing, one handcrafted glove at a time.