This fight is in the middle of the Universe deep space.
It's Exiles Silver Surfer ,
Exiles
On Earth #552, Norrin Radd had been a great military scientist who accidentally destroyed his own world with his greatest invention. Determined to bring it back to existence, he approached Galactus, Restorer of Worlds, and became his herald in the hope that Galactus would resurrect his world in exchange for his service. However, Galactus had taken an oath to only revive those worlds destroyed by the Blight. An enraged Silver Surfer then turned against his master, destroying those who worshipped him and attempting to kill Galactus himself in order to steal the knowledge of world restoration. This led to the destruction of Earth, the coming of the Exiles, the deaths of the Shi'ar Imperial Guard Elite, and inevitably the Surfer's own destruction.
Runner with Space Gem,
Space purple It allows the user to exist in any location (or all locations), move any object anywhere throughout the universe and warp or rearrange space.
Are all of the opinions for the Runner based solely on that one battle from Silver Surfer's series in the 80s? Because though he gets beaten badly, a part of it is mental. That darn likability power. An enraged Silver Surfer at full strength might wipe that smile off of the golden boy. It isn't like the surfer cannot touch the runner in that fight. And speed for distances doesn't necessarily translate into handspeed. Plus, Runner might not be the best fighter, we see his desire to go toe to toe with the Surfer.
Also, I was just checking the Silver Surfer respect thread. He has so many tricks up his silver sleeve! For example, I did not know he can create illusion!
I have not seen enough showing of the Runner to know this. But Surfer beat the Champion, he can also possibly beat the Runner.
I just find it funny that some think Exiles Surfer is this uber badass, when his board is what can really be credited to the Gladiator 'feat' -- And also when, as you said, he was pwned by Sabretooth.