Trail Blazers Introduce New Postgame Boxing Award
Coaches select a player to receive the Cleto Reyes gloves after every win to encourage team-wide effort.
Updated on Oct. 26, 2026 in Boxing
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Portland Trail Blazers players are now competing for a literal boxing glove award after every team victory this season. The coaching staff introduced the Cleto Reyes gloves to recognize individual effort in a way that includes every member of the roster regardless of their role.
Why it matters
The team aimed to foster inclusivity by shifting the focus beyond just All-Stars or defensive specialists to reward hard work from any player. With 80 games remaining in the season, the initiative serves as a tangible way to build team chemistry through consistent recognition.
There are 80 games remaining in the season, with each win triggering a selection process for the boxing glove award. The total number of awards any individual player will secure remains to be seen as the season progresses.
The players
Damian Lillard
The veteran Blazers guard who received the inaugural boxing glove award following a win against the Phoenix Suns.
Toumani Camara
The Blazers player who was selected to receive the second boxing glove award after the team's victory in Sacramento.
Floyd Mayweather Jr.
A legendary professional boxer who will provide signed gloves to the player with the most team awards at the end of the season.
Courtney Watson
The director of health and player performance for the Portland Trail Blazers.
The details
Coaching staff members decide the recipient as a group following every victory, choosing players based on contributions that go beyond standard box-score stats. Damian Lillard earned the first set of Cleto Reyes puncher's gloves after a win against the Phoenix Suns, followed by Toumani Camara after a road win in Sacramento. Recipients are responsible for autographing the gloves with the date of the win, and the player with the most awards by the end of the season will earn a set signed by Floyd Mayweather Jr.
Timeline
Before the 2026-27 season: Coaching staff brainstormed the reward idea.
October 2026: The award program officially launched during the start of the season.
Beyond the Bridges
This initiative follows the tradition of NBA locker-room morale boosters but marks a departure from standard, stat-focused player-of-the-game honors. By prioritizing inclusive effort over top-line scores, the Blazers are attempting to redefine how roles are valued within the team.
Fans attending home games at the Moda Center can expect to hear about the latest glove recipient following each victory. The team will continue to announce the winner through their internal channels throughout the remainder of the 80 games.
The takeaway
The Blazers are emphasizing collective effort by letting the coaching staff choose winners based on grit rather than just point totals. Keep an eye on the team's social media accounts to see which player is awarded the signed Floyd Mayweather Jr. gloves at the end of the season.
Further reading
For more on the latest team developments and culture, visit Boxing.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Oregon Live.
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