Like, but not, Bepo. It affects everyone who goes down there, Devil Fruit user or not and reduces your strength down to levels of what's considered normal.

[I think it's safe to assume that Bepo would be pretty alright - as strong as a normal bear, but pretty alright.]

There's not much room to manuever around down there. Once a fight starts down there, if one comes out dead, the other will likely come out badly injured. Hopefully the element of surprise, and his height will work against him.

[Because, even equalized like that, your Captain's no fool. Admirals aren't Admirals for nothing.]