Pacquiao trains for comeback IMAGO / ZUMA Press Wire

Keith Sullivan Raises Red Flags On Pacquiao’s Return: ‘I Pray the Proper Testing Was Done’

Originally posted on KO on SI | By Joseph Hammond | Last updated Jul 18, 2025 1:58 PM ET

Boxing lawyer and manager Keith Sullivan has raised concerns about Manny Pacquiao's return to the ring. Sullivan is an interested observer heading into this big boxing weekend given his own ties to one of the welterweight division's rising stars.

"The first concern is Manny's age,” said Sullivan, “Boxers typically begin to decline neurologically in their mid-30s. Anyone over 40 is a red flag and should be subjected to intense neurological, cardiology & mental fitness testing. Manny is 46 and has 72 pro fights behind him. I pray the proper testing was performed on him.”

Following March 1’s fight between @lewiscrocker1 and @PaddyDonovan23, which resulted in a disqualification victory for The Croc, the IBF have now ordered an immediate rematch pic.twitter.com/zQrY4BpvG8
— Matchroom Boxing (@MatchroomBoxing) March 27, 2025

Sullivan's charge, Paddy Donovan, is likely to rematch Lewis Crocker in an all-Irish final eliminator for the IBF welterweight title in September, following their controversial first fight. In that fight, Crocker defeated Donovan by disqualification after Donovan was deemed to land a punch after the bell.

Andy Lee serves as Donovan's trainer and co-manager alongside Keith Sullivan. Sullivan, who also represents the law firm Sullivan & Galleshaw, works with an interesting stable of international fighters and two New York area fighters of note.

These include Nisa Rodriguez, a NYPD constable boxer, and basketball player and boxing prospect, Pryce Taylor – one of the more intriguing American heavyweight prospects at the moment.

This article first appeared on KO on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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