Why Do Boxers Use Vaseline During Fights?

Protective Barrier

During a fight, boxers have Vaseline applied to their faces to create a protective barrier. While it won't reduce pain, it makes the skin slippery, making it harder for punches to land effectively. The cutman typically applies Vaseline to areas like the nose, lips, cheekbones, jawbone, and beneath the eyebrows.

Limiting Blood Loss

As the fight progresses, boxers often sustain cuts and injuries that lead to bleeding. By combining Vaseline with a coagulant, the cutman can help limit the amount of blood lost from these wounds. The coagulant slows down bleeding, while the Vaseline shields the injured area. For instance, if a boxer's nose is bleeding, a dab of Vaseline can be applied to help reduce the bleeding.