An event in 1997, however, convinced members of the Association of Boxing Commissions (ABC) that an organization was needed to specifically work on improving the use of ringside medicine.
Since its creation, the AAPRP has helped create medical guidelines, standardization and research into boxing injuries as well as efforts to promote education via yearly seminars.
Prominent speakers have included Sugar Ray Leonard, Ken Norton, Gerry Cooney, Teddy Atlas, Floyd Mayweather Jr., Bernard Hopkins, Emanuel Steward, Lou DiBella, Bert Sugar, Chris Byrd, Mia St. John, and Ferdie Pacheco.
The AAPRP has published numerous booklets and manuals on safety issues and has created the first certification program in ringside medicine.
The AAPRP has established minimum medical requirements for pre-fight clearance and has met with Senator John McCain and Congressman Peter T. King in order to help create a national boxing commission.