Is it a Garling downscale or again a Rocks upscale ?
Bith of both.
Garling is strong, even Oda said as much, plus "Moon" them plus Shanks' father, etc.
He wasn't likely in his prime, but wasn't far. I have never had him on Roger or Garp's level, or even BB's, but Ray's yeah.
On the other hand, Xebec Is totally monstrous and causually owend him.
Some tried to joke about Xebec killing a nameless Admiral, in Marijoa and with hostages, and still that Admiral did better than Garling + a horde of demons lol.
Xebec Is simply a total monster. I hope people cease to sell him and Harald short.