According to Cordes (1991) there are numerous benefits to strength training for a boxer including reduced injury risk, increased anaerobic energy stores and enzyme activity, increased muscular endurance, improved body composition, increased joint range of motion and flexibility, increased force and contraction speed.

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Resistance training elicits both a neural and muscular response, causing an adaptation in the muscle structure. Several neural adaptations have been shown to take place in the early stages of a new resistance training programme, with increases in muscle activation, motor unit synchronisation, and antagonist co-activation all taking place (Schoenfeld, 2016). 

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Hypertrophy (increase in size) of the muscle takes place after 4 to 6 weeks of training, during this phase muscle contractile elements enlarge and the extracellular matrix expands to support growth (Schoenfeld, 2016). The action of resistance training has a positive effect on the endocrine system increasing growth hormone and testosterone production. With appropriate diet and protein consumption, adaptation and growth should take place (Spano, Kruskall and Thomas, 2018).