Sport in brief 13/12/2008

Klitschko 'more than Rahman can handle'

boxing World heavyweight champion Vladimir Klitschko says he will be too strong for American challenger Hasim Rahman in today's title fight in Germany. The Hamburg-based Ukrainian – holder of the WBO, IBF and IBO crowns – does, however, expect a test from the former world champion best known for his defeat of Lennox Lewis in 2001. "I expect a challenge from Hasim Rahman, because he is up against the strongest man in the heavyweight division and three titles are at stake," Klitschko said. "Of course, I expect I'll be more than he can handle – just like it is with everyone else I face." Klitschko will be hoping to add to his 45 knockouts in a win-loss record of 51-3.

Pirates and nets endanger yachts

The twin hazards of pirates and the nets of small, often unlit, fishing boats lie strewn across the route of the third leg of the Volvo round the world race which starts today from Kochi, south-west India bound for Singapore, 1,950 miles away. The eight 70-ft yachts should be safely berthed in the new ONE°15 marina before Christmas, but must negotiate the Strait of Malacca on the way.

In the contrasting cold wastes of the Southern Ocean, Mike Golding, in his Open 60 Ecover, moved up to second place on the 34th day of the Vendée Globe solo non-stop round the world race. He was nearly 50 miles behind the leader, Jean-Pierre Dick in Paprec-Virbac.

Carney mourning death of father

Huddersfield's signing of the former Canberra player Todd Carney has hit a complication with the death of the player's father. The Giants do not know when the scrum-half will now be joining them.

Mystery surrounds the future of the Gateshead Thunder coach, Dave Woods, after unconfirmed reports that he has been sacked for an alleged serious breach of club rules. The club's board issued a statement yesterday, saying: "The board has been reviewing some internal issues. The process is not complete and the board is not in a position to comment further."