User blog comment:IamJakuhoRaikoben/Chapter 444: Emperor Spriggan, Review./@comment-24546844-20150713134245/@comment-967403-20150713160352

To be fair, Mest hasn't ever been in optimal condition to fight. With the exception of Azuma, fights he's got involved in weren't in his favor.

His fight with Racer, he was drinking for over seven years. You can't expect him to fight in that condition (Lahar noted his speed even decreased). It's surprising he even kept up with Racer for a bount. And with Marin, he blocked out his magic and Marin was somewhat tough for Natsu and Gray, who didn't land a hit on the guy and was too fast for em. :| He's been at disadvantage every fight he's involved in, even If one takes place off-panel.