As previously reported, former heavyweight king Wladimir Klitschko refused to rule out a return to the ring amid rumours he could be set for a sensational comeback.

Klitschko dominated the division for the best part of a decade before surprisingly losing his IBF, WBA, IBO and WBO belts to Tyson Fury in November 2015.

The Ukrainian failed to reclaim them from Anthony Joshua in a sensational fight at Wembley in April 2017, which saw him stopped in the 11th round after sending his opponent to the canvas in the sixth.

Reports in Germany linked the 43-year-old with a potential three-bout comeback and Klitschko did little to quash the speculation.

"You never say never," he told SID. "My status has not changed so far. There are always rumours and I take them as a compliment. It's nice if the fans really want to see that. I'm pleased the community and the sport miss me."

Older brother and former heavyweight champion Vitali Klitschko discussed the rumors in a recent interview with Abendzeitung, and says Wladimir would be willing to entertain the idea of returning - if the financial offer was raised.

Streaming service DAZN has approached Wladimir with a three fight agreement.

"Let me tell you a true story. When the news came that a TV channel had offered him $40 million to make a comeback, I called him and asked what was going on. He said, 'This is an offer that does not really interest me.' Then, a few weeks later, they were talking about an $80 million offer, I called again and asked, 'What is the situation now?' He said, 'This is not an offer that changes my mind, maybe I'll start thinking about it at $100 million,'" Vitali Klitschko said.

"One thing is certain: no matter what decision he makes, I will support him 100 percent on his path and stand behind him -as we have always done. For me, this is how it is: Yes, money is very important in life. But Wladimir doesn't need any money, he's very well off. He has earned a lot as a boxer, the money has been well spent, he has a good career beyond the [boxing] career. The money alone will not motivate him.

"In my eyes, he has nothing to prove as a boxer. He wrote history, he was one of the greatest boxers ever. For me, he can not gain anything in a comeback. But only he himself can make the decision. The most important thing in life is not money but health.

"If he took off his shirt, everyone would see that he looks even better than when he was an active boxer. He trains every day. And look at him: He looks good and relaxed. As if he had slept a hundred years. His head is clear, he has not suffered any damage, he enjoys his present life."