Bivol first fought Alvarez in May 2022 and was declared the winner on the judges' scorecards following a dominant performance in Las Vegas. 

Since that loss, Alvarez has frequently expressed his desire to face the WBA light heavyweight champion for a second time, but the weight limit for the rematch has become an issue.

Bivol would prefer to drop down to super middleweight if he was to take on the Mexican for a second time, while Alvarez wants the fight to take place at 175lbs. 

Speaking to ESPN Knockout, Kornilov stated that the rematch is in doubt despite ongoing negotiations and instead will try to land an undisputed fight with Artur Beterbiev for Bivol. 

“They don’t want a rematch. They know that they lost very badly in the first fight and that they have less chances of winning in the second. When have you heard of a fighter who, after losing, asked for a rematch on the same terms?” Kornilov said.

“In my opinion I think they don’t want a rematch and they are saying that to justify themselves and make another fight like they did with Golovkin, John Ryder and maybe Berlanga.

"A rematch cannot take place on the same terms as the fight you lost. It’s stupid. We are looking forward. Artur Beterbiev is our target.”