not quite admiral, because i dont see him just taking on an admiral and winning, [regardless if it is just slightly]
However i would say in between the VA and Admiral gap
he landed a hit on luffy, however luffy was protecting you know who and was caught out
Pretty sure luffy could beat this guy, and thats another reason why i wont say admiral level, unless luffy really levels up here
also
I think he would have given Ao Kiji a run for his money. He's clearly above Jozu who managed to harm Ao Kiji somewhat.
Let me rephrase what you wrote in another way: ''i think he would give
the man who fought Akainu for 10 days straight despite extreme heat being his weakness a run for his money''
makes you remember the admirals are serious territory