Boxing is a good cardio work out and can help tslrendoumey in strength and endurance. You'll definitely want to get a pair of gloves, and since you're not going to be fighting, I'd recommend a pair of 16 ounce gloves. When training with a jump rope keep in mind that it is endurance that'll help. Speed and finesse will come later. Try to work on techniques that switch feet every so often. If you watch professional boxers train you'll see what I mean. It helps to use those techniques so you can stay light on your feet and it also helps you develop longer times with the rope. You'll be a lean, mean, fightin' machine before you know it.