Boxer entered the navy in July 1798. After eight years' junior service, mostly with Captain Charles Brisbane, and for some short time in the 98-gun HMSOcean under Lord Collingwood's flagship, he was confirmed as lieutenant of HMSTigre with Captain Benjamin Hallowell (later Carew) on 8 June 1807. Hallowell was promoted to flag rank in October 1811, and Boxer followed him to HMSMalta; and continued, with short intermissions, under Rear-Admiral Hallowell's immediate command, until he was confirmed as commander on 1 March 1815.
In August 1837, Boxer was appointed to HMSPique, which he commanded on the North American and West Indian stations. Early in 1840s, during the Oriental Crisis, he was sent to the Mediterranean, where he conducted the survey of the position afterwards occupied by the fleet off Acre, and took part in the bombardment and reduction of that place in November. For his services at that time, he received the Turkish gold medal and was made Companion of the Bath on 18 December 1840. In August 1843, he was appointed harbour-master at Quebec City, and held that office till his promotion to flag-rank on 5 March 1853.
In December 1854, Edward Boxer was appointed second in command in the Mediterranean, and undertook the duties of superintendent at Balaklava in the Crimean War. This involved responsibility for inadequate harbour facilities that were heavily used. Boxer died of cholera on board the Jason, just outside the harbour, on 4 June 1855.
