By Keith Idec

NEW YORK – A dearth of intriguing challengers isn’t the only thing making Wladimir Klitschko contemplate just how much longer he wants to box.

The long-reigning heavyweight champion turned 39 last month, has a newborn daughter and would like to commit more time to political and social issues about which he is passionate. His older brother, retired former WBC champ Vitali Klitschko, last boxed when he was 41. With his April 25 fight against Bryant Jennings looming, Wladimir Klitschko isn’t sure he’ll box even that long.

“It’s challenging,” said Klitschko, who turned pro 18½ years ago. “It’s something that I’m asking myself. ‘Am I going to be ready for this? You’ve been around for such a long time. Is it time to go from the sport?’ These are certain questions I’m asking over and over of myself.”

The uncertainty aside, Wladimir Klitschko (63-3, 53 KOs) hasn’t shown significant signs of age in the ring and continues to make millions from each of his fights. The 6-foot-6, 245-pound Klitschko has won 21 straight bouts since Lamon Brewster stopped him 11 years ago. He also has made 17 consecutive heavyweight title defenses, second only to Joe Louis (25) and Larry Holmes (20).

He is about a 14-1 favorite over Philadelphia’s Jennings (19-0, 10 KOs) two weeks before their 12-round fight for Klitschko’s IBF, WBA and WBO titles at Madison Square Garden (HBO).

Keith Idec covers boxing for The Record and Herald News, of Woodland Park, N.J., and BoxingScene.com. He can be reached on Twitter @Idecboxing.