User blog comment:Safari1237/blackbeard strength/@comment-4094276-20110725163024

Just before the time skip, i would say he could fight an admiral but he would lose (i would say Whitebeard commander strength) because he has no skill with the Gura Gura no Mi, and lacks good technique for that matter. After 2 years of mastering both his fruits I say he could definitely beat an admiral.