Monkey D. Luffy versus Charlotte Katakuri is the most excited I've been for a One Piece fight in a while. I am hoping this fight actually happens and doesn't get interrupted or anything like that. The last real defining 1v1 Luffy had was all the back in Enies Lobbies against Rob Lucci. I'm not saying he hasn't had meaningful or good fights since but none of them are transcendent like that fight. He had his Impel Down to Marineford run. There was Moria, Hody, Caesar and even Doffy, though that was Law's fight more than it was Luffy's. Luffy was just there in the mixup by association. Plus, I don't think overall that that fight delivered.
The crazy thing about vs Doflamingo is that Luffy was physically stronger than Doffy in Gear Fourth but Doffy used his Awakened Devil Fruit ability to fight defensively and outlast Luffy. If everyone on that Island didn't help, our heroes would've lost. Cracker was a Sweet Commander that Luffy didn't beat alone either. It took 11 hours and Nami was there to help. And then the whole Sanji thing and NOW, we're here. Luffy has to fight a Sweet Commander all by himself.
In order to help the Sunny and Crew escape, Luffy took Katakuri into the Mirror World, broke the exit and now has to fight this man straight up. Katakuri fights a little similarly to Luffy, is an established pirate threat, son of an Yonkou and the greatest practitioner of Observation Haki we've seen. He can even see into the near future. If Luffy can beat him in a fair one on one fight, it would mean that Luffy is indeed strong enough to take out high ranking Yonkou members alone. Like Jack the Drought.
Lastly before I wrap up this little think piece, I think it's important to note that Katakuri isn't at all underestimating Luffy. He's fully committed to stopping him right here. This fight has potential to be big and I'm excited to see how it plays out. This could be the big finish Whole Cake Island arc needs before we move on to Wano Country.