I predicted the clash of Linlin vs Garp, made sense based on how Linlin seemed to have a grudge against Garp, which was also mentioned in a magazine.
What can I say, stop thinking in such a mechanical way, titles for Oda are not different from irl titles based on reputation, achievements but they aren't some kind of omniscient truth or statement.
I've been stating since years that Garp literally laughed in front of Whitebeard face at marineford, he didn't have any less portay than him, just less focus.
I study this things, so I can say there is a strong confirmation bias in the Fandom regarding titles and precedent conclusions.
Many were even skeptical about Rocks being above Whitebeard, when Oda portraying Rocks, Roger and Garp as the central figures of that era, alongside the fact that they are the protagonists of the most important event of the previous generation, which is God valley.
A mind like mine, could definitely clearly see the bigger picture and the intent to have Garp as stronger than Whitebeard. His relationship with Roger speaks a lot as well,
But in years and years of Fandom many built their mental castles, imaging some kind of parallelism between Roger-WB and Shanks-Mihawk as absolute equals. Super false, magazine, Oda in bullet's volumes and chapter 0 confirmed Roger as stronger. Whitebeard as always being hyped for being able to compete with Roger, never the other way around.
Now, an other strong indicator is how Garp and Roger relationship as a rival was stronger. Roger literally have his son to Garp, when he literally knew that Whitebeard took care of orphans. Roger felt more protection by giving his son to Garp.
Their rivalry, well, they fought each other to the death several times.
I never underestimated Garp, many even put Sengoku as his exact equal when Sengoku was literally sweating seeing Whitebeard feats, which is clearly inferior to Garp to me and I've been stating this since years.
Many are focusing on a rookie Dragon performance when he got the time to develop strength, but I am sure they are gonna justify 36 years old Whitebeard running away from Garp, when Oda confirmed Whitebeard was already at his peak at 38 (not that he reached that strength at 38, but that he already was in golden age, be careful on that) in volume 1000 for Z movie.
This is the end, titles are fraudolent.
Also yeah, assuming Whitebeard betrayed Rocks or that he didn't eat his fruit yet was pure copium from his fans, deal with it. Oda wants to portray Roger and Garp as above him, take the title as titles should be taken, as public knowledge, as stuff you are known as, not as a factual statement. Oda literally stated Garp as the strongest old man in usopp gallery while gave the title in the narrator box to WB.
Remember, Momonosuke as son of Kinnemon was in the narrator box as well, the narrator for Oda is not omniscient but better someone that reminds the readers about the knowledge the read has, and this knowledge can be contradicted later on.
Whitebeard is just known as the strongest man, and when external sources calls him that that's because that is a way to call him, it's his reputation and nickname, not a factual omniscient statement.
Garp was stronger, as a genius like me predicted.
Kuzan upscale, be ready, there is a reason Warcury got scared that such a huge force (using his own words) joined Teach.
Heroes strength is not inborn, Kuzan reached Prime Garp's physical might. At this point, I wouldn't be surprised to know that Shanks, Akainu and similar fall in this gap between Whitebeard (the weakest) and the likes of Garp/Roger.