Beckman couldn't even hold Kizaru back
There's multiple statements of Kizaru being wary of him and even one with Beckman being stated to be comparable to Shanks.
(Databook Blue Deep)
Translation:
Always calm and collected, he is the number two of the Red-Haired Pirates with excellent situational judgment. During the Summit War, he checks on Kizaru. Even the Navy Admiral is wary of his fighting ability.
(Vivre Card)
Translation:
The Red-Haired Pirates reign in the New World. Standing beside Shanks as vice captain is Beckman. If Shanks is the “sun,” with his cheerful and lively personality and love of parties, Beckman is the “moon,” with his serene and dignified demeanor. He is the one who reminds the enemy of the horror of pirates and their true profession. With his experience gained from his long voyages, his clear mind, and his extremely high fighting ability, he is the equal of the “red-haired” pirate. His presence, comparable to that of “Red Hair”, makes even the fiercest pirates of the “New World” tremble...!
He has an eye that even the “light” can't resist! Even the Navy Admiral knows the danger of Benn Beckman!
(OP Magazine 15)
Translation:
He is cool, calm, and powerful. He is the spiritual pillar of the Red-Haired Pirates, supporting Shanks by his side. He is a Haki user and a strong fighter, so much so that even the Admiral, Kizaru, is afraid of him.
(Volume 4000000000)
Translation:
Does he surpass even the Haki of the Navy Admirals? Even Kizaru, who has a "Logia" type ability, cannot resist his checks and balances.
Benn Beckman is so cool, wish we could see Beckman fight.
Wish we could see shanks fight
And Useless Mid doesn’t count
Vivre card = no canon
Vivre cards are canon
They're checked over by Oda I'm pretty sure
Luffy is already at around Shanks' level by now, Beckman loses as a commander of Shanks even if he is close in strength too.
Luffy wins high-diff.
Beckman could be middle of Mid Yonko level in terms of strength, Luffy is low High Yonko level.
It was said by one of the author's closest collaborators that the latter did not make VCs and was generally not consulted by them. VCs therefore have no evidentiary value and can be denied.
What do you think?