First, I think I should note that amateur boxing does not incur brain damage that is recognizable by contemporary methods. I see no studies contrary to that. Thus, basically, if you like boxing or other martial arts training, do that - having some exercise is better than not having any, and boxing is quite taxing.
Then, I should proceed to my main point: how martial arts training of someone's choice corresponds to the three stresses that elevate BDNF?
Typical martial art will train you for strength endurance. Strength endurance is an ability to exert about 30% of your 1RM for a prolonged period of time and training it is not directly a strength training neither it is an endurance training.
I think one should train for strength and/or stamina (direct relation with BDNF levels) and then take classes on martial arts technique (pattern recognition and reaction). This is how sambo/judo champions are trained, from what I know.
