HMS Boxer was the first of the Batch 2 Type 22 frigates of the Royal Navy.

She was one of only two Batch 2s (the other being Beaver) fitted with the lower-height hangar of the Batch 1s, so she could only accommodate Lynx helicopters.

On coming out of refit in 1990, with a clean bottom she achieved close to 34 knots (63 km/h; 39 mph).

During 1996 and 1997 she was leader of the 1st Frigate Squadron.

Notable commanding officers include James Perowne (1986-1988), Timothy Laurence (1990-1992) and Richard Ibbotson (1991-1993 and 1998-1999).