Sorry, let me re-state my question. Does an 18yr old fighting 4rds need strength and conditioning training. I heard it's counter-productive from different coaches.
Anyone can benefit from strength training. It can be counter productive if done incorrectly, though. Don't listen to boxing coaches when it comes to strength training, the vast majority of them are utterly clueless.
www.stronglifts.com is a solid workout program for strength training. Has a nice learning curve if you start the lifts by using just the barbell and build up from there. That way you will have time to learn the correct technique before the lifts get heavy. edit: for conditioning (do not mistake conditioning for strength training, they are two different things that overlap a little bit) check out www.rosstraining.com - he has some great conditioning workouts. For example, check out the Magic 50 ( http://www.rosstraining.com/articles/themagic50.html ). Personally I think the magic 50 combined with doing your compound lifts and some running / sprinting is enough to build a good base
Something key to remember though is that it should supplement your training. If its having a negative impact on your actual sport then don't do it.
