It’s hard to articulate, but it’s that classing of a worthy foe or something. Like people say “say what you will about x but he does y good” (something said by someone about Rommel by Patton (at least in his movie))in a way that’s meant to sound begrudging but just makes them sound like they want to be them if you get me
Witness it once in a blue moon
Because it’s completely devoid of any class.
“respect your opponent” becomes a different reality when your opponent is the landlord threatening to evict your family.
“respect your opponent” becomes a different reality when your opponent is the police stripping you down looking for an ounce in the middle of the road.