That's the impression I get too. I think Kovalev gives Hopkins some slack because Hopkins doesn't really trash talk in the purest sense of the word, and he backs up what he says in the ring. It's not like Hopkins says that he will KO Kovalev in one. Hopkins says he has a history of overcoming the odds, and there's no arguing about it. Hopkins doesn't dismiss Kovalev as a nobody, he recognises the threat.
Also, I think Kovalev recognises that getting angry at Hopkins won't serve him well in the ring.
Also, I think Kovalev recognises that getting angry at Hopkins won't serve him well in the ring.
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