The 1982 annual representative meeting resolved: "That in view of the proven ocular and brain damage resulting from professional boxing the association should campaign for its abolition." The board of science and education considered the resolution and two important factors were immediately apparent. A definitive report on boxing had been published as long ago as 1969 by the Royal College of Physicians. This had been based on investigations carried out on professional boxers who had been

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... g between 1929 and 1955. The relevance of the report has been questioned under the more stringent regulations imposed since then. The second factor was that the resolution referred only to professional boxing. This raised the question as to whether the adverse effects of boxing were confined solely to those who undertook the professional sport. It was clear to the board of science that a review of the recent medical evidence should be undertaken. The board set up a working party, chaired by its deputy chairman, Professor J P Payne. The following terms of reference were agreed: "To consider the medical effects of boxing and to make recommendations in relation to the annual representative meeting's resolution of June 1982."