HBO still not on board with Kovalev-Alvarez rematch; negotiations ongoing

Last week, it was reported that former unified light heavyweight world titleholder Sergey Kovalev would be exercising his contractual option for a rematch with Eleider Alvarez, who knocked him down three times and stopped him on an HBO-televised fight on Aug. 4

However, HBO is still not on board with the rematch, and negotiations are currently ongoing to lower the license fee.

Kovalev (32-3-1, 28 KO's) was ahead on the scorecards going into the seventh round, but Alvarez (24-0, 12 KO's), who took Kovalev's WBO light heavyweight title with the win, cracked Kovalev with a big overhand right that planted the Russian on his rear. Kovalev got up, but Alvarez quickly sent him back down, and the referee was forced to step in.

The news of HBO potentially balking at the rematch may provide an opportunity for Eddie Hearn's DAZN, ESPN, or Showtime to compete for the rights.