Not the best. If you need to defend yourself, you should study a discipline that includes some sort of wrestling and arm/head lock moves. Judo perhaps. You could learn boxing basics on the side.
If you want to learn something for Self Defense i'd go with MMA. all fights typically end up on the ground better to learn how to control your opponent.
Not just because I have been studying it for a few years, but Judo is a great option. Jiu jitsu was mentioned and is great as well. Boxing is also useful but I think it really depends on who you are fighting. Most guys that get into a fight at a club or whatever don't know how to fight and are one handed fighters, so boxing would help with that absolutely. Just getting a lot of rounds in helps to program your body to fight in my opinion. Will any of these make you the best street fighter? No, but at least you will develop some instincts that can give you an advantage.
krav maga is best for self-defense, you could actually end up killing your attacker if you're not careful
Effective, and very under rated, conditioning, and striking, and one key feature that boxing gives in training and preparation that alot of other disciplines do not. THE ABILITY TO TAKE A PUNCH/HIT..... That is seriously under rated....any one that has been in a few s****s will tell you that you are going to get hit......regardless....
Extremely effective. considering 95% of people who will initiate a fight will telegraph an overhand right which a boxer can spot from a mile away. Add ground game like Jui jujitsu and you're good....also train in kick boxing... or just don't fight.
Boxing is effective for a start in street fighting, but most street fight evolve into a wrestle so id recommend judo as well
Very effective, but a wrestling martial art would probably be equally effective. Of course, the best self-defense is knowing how to avoid a fight, how to talk politely, or walk away. Also, this is America, why don't you own a gun *****?
That's if you plan on rolling around on the ground. When 5 or 6 people are trying to hurt you that **** don't work.