By Ryan Songalia

Tony Thompson's 11-round struggle with IBF heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko appeared to be the end of the road for the tough Washington D.C. native. He was counted out after a competitive back-and-forth tussle, but his big fight hopes might not be entirely extinguished.

James Toney prematurely announced Thursday on the Versus Network that he would be fighting "The Tiger" on December 6, a claim refuted by Dan Goossen, who promotes both fighters. Thompson is however on the short list of opponents being considered for a December clash with Toney, a distinction Thompson relishes.

"I would be very excited if that fight came off, just to be in the ring with someone of that level," Thompson, 31-2 (19 KO), tells BoxingScene.com. "You have to have some reservations fighting a crafty veteran. He was one of my favorite fighters when I was coming up."

Thompson is currently on the mend from knee injuries that hindered him during training camp for the Klitschko fight. "I already knew what was going wrong, nobody really knew my knee was injured. I had some meniscus problems that didn't allow me to train to my fullest capabilities. I'm definitely dwelling on it because I know I could have beaten Wladimir if I was healthy."

Thompson says the knee is "feeling better now," but that he is going to see a specialist on Monday to determine whether surgery to have his knee "cleaned out" is necessary.

"If not, then we're going to try a rehab type situation."

Thompson says that the procedure will not interfere with a December date, should one materialize, and that he'd be "back on his feet in a week."

"I want to get back in the ring healthy and show everyone the real Tony Thompson," he added in conclusion.

Comments and Questions To ryansongalia201@aol.com