The Lead Uppercut Explained

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Boxers Known for Lead Uppercuts

1. Mike Tyson

• One of the most iconic lead-uppercut users in history.

• Often doubled lead uppercuts off slips, dips, and peek-a-boo shifts.

• His lead uppercut–to-hook sequence was a trademark destructive combo.

2. Roy Jones Jr.

• Threw one of the flashiest and fastest lead uppercuts ever.

• Used it as a pull-counter or step-in lead after baiting an opponent.

3. Lennox Lewis

• Used the lead uppercut to punish counters and break high guards.

• Famous example: his lead uppercut vs. Michael Grant in the knockdown sequence.

4. Evander Holyfield

• Known for slick inside work; his lead uppercut was a consistent tool in close range.

• Used it in combinations, often to set up hooks and crosses.

5. George Foreman (Prime & Comeback Versions)

• A brutal, short lead uppercut.

• Especially dangerous in the comeback era when he relied more on single heavy shots.

6. Riddick Bowe

• Excellent inside boxer for a heavyweight.

• Loved throwing a short, tight lead uppercut from close range while leaning inside.

7. Julio César Chávez Sr.

• Used a slick, compact lead uppercut inside as part of his pressure style.

• Typically followed up with a left hook to the liver or head.

8. Roberto Durán

• Crafty lead uppercuts in the pocket, especially when switching angles.

• Slipped, rolled, and came up with the uppercut as a counter and as a lead.

9. Manny Pacquiao

• Not as frequent, but known for quick lead uppercuts—especially during entries.

• Used a darting lead uppercut against taller opponents.

10. Naseem Hamed

• Unorthodox footwork and angles made his lead uppercut unpredictable.

• Often threw it while shifting stances.

11. Terence Crawford

• Throws a sneaky, accurate lead uppercut in both orthodox and southpaw.

• Uses it as part of his "trap-set" combinations.

12. Errol Spence Jr.

• Less flashy but extremely effective lead uppercut inside.

• Known to use it on the break and during body-to-head sequences.

13. Canelo Álvarez

• Signature lead uppercuts to counter high guards.

• Famous examples: vs. Callum Smith and Billy Joe Saunders.

14. Gervonta “Tank” Davis

• Deadly compact lead uppercut.

• Used it to stop Leo Santa Cruz—one of the most famous lead uppercut KOs in recent memory.

15. Devin Haney

• Strong lead uppercut off clinch exits and during mid-range feints.

• Uses it to create space and set traps.

16. Shakur Stevenson

• A very clean lead uppercut, typically as a counter-lead when opponents reach.

• Part of his inside-slip counter game.

17. Ryan García

• Known for a fast, snapping lead uppercut when opponents jab or lean forward.

• Often doubles it with hooks.

18. Vasiliy Lomachenko

• Excellent short lead uppercut from angle shifts.

• Uses it after pivot steps or from his signature "step-out step-in" angles.

19. James Toney

• One of the smoothest lead uppercuts ever, thrown out of shoulder roll.

• Compact, effortless, often thrown as a pull-counter lead.

20. Andre Ward

• Strong technician inside; his lead uppercut was a reliable scoring shot in clinch breaks and tight exchanges.

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Historical Names Known for Lead Uppercuts

21. Joe Louis

• One of the cleanest textbook lead uppercuts.

• Threw it straight up the middle with perfect mechanics.

22. Sugar Ray Robinson

• Used it in mid-range combinations with beautiful fluidity.

23. Ezzard Charles

• Smooth, sharp lead uppercut inside combinations.

24. Henry Armstrong

• Relentless pressure style; used the lead uppercut in close-quarters fights.

25. Jersey Joe Walcott

• Unorthodox setups, including lead uppercuts from unusual angles.

Below is the full deep-dive package:
1️⃣ Signature knockouts caused by lead uppercuts
2️⃣ How each boxer sets up the punch
3️⃣ A full technical design breakdown for implementing lead uppercuts in your boxing game
(including stats, logic, ranges, timing, tendencies, damage rules, and AI hooks)

This is written as a developer-facing design document that you can plug directly into your Tendency, Trait, Critical Zone, Hurt State, and Animation systems.

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1. SIGNATURE LEAD UPPERCUT KNOCKOUTS IN BOXING HISTORY

Mike Tyson → Trevor Berbick (1986)

Lead uppercut inside after slipping Berbick’s jab.
Created the sequence that made Berbick stagger around the ring multiple times.

Mike Tyson → José Ribalta (1986)

Lead uppercut sent Ribalta straight up and stiffened him.

Mike Tyson → Buster Mathis Jr. (1995)

Lead uppercut followed by a hook—knockout sequence.

Gervonta “Tank” Davis → Leo Santa Cruz (2020)

One of the most iconic modern examples.
Counter lead uppercut KO inside Santa Cruz’s combination.

Canelo Álvarez → Billy Joe Saunders (2021)

Lead uppercut fracture shot that shattered BJS’s orbital.

Roy Jones Jr. → Ricky Stackhouse (KO Highlight Reel)

Performed a pull-back feint, leaped forward with a lead uppercut.

Lennox Lewis → Michael Grant (2000) Knockdown #1

Lead uppercut in the first-round onslaught—sent Grant collapsing forward.

Julio César Chávez Sr. → Roger Mayweather (1989)

Short lead uppercut inside the hook-body combo sequences.

Riddick Bowe → Bruce Seldon (1991)

Lead uppercut forced Seldon into collapse.

George Foreman → Gerry Cooney (1990)

Lead uppercut snapped Cooney back before finishing with hooks.

Roberto Durán → Esteban De Jesús (Rubber Match)

Lead uppercut that broke De Jesús’ posture and opened the finish.

Joe Louis → Max Baer (1935)

Lead uppercuts that broke Baer’s guard repeatedly—part of the finishing sequence.

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2. HOW EACH BOXER SETS UP THE LEAD UPPERCUT

(Use this section to create per-boxer tendencies in your game.)

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Mike Tyson (Peek-a-Boo)

Setup Style:

• Slip → Dip → Explode upward

• From inside angles

• Usually after slipping inside a jab

Triggers:

• Opponent jabs

• Opponent shells high

• Opponent leans forward

Sequence Examples:
Slip → Lead Uppercut → Hook
Dip Left → Lead Uppercut → Rear Uppercut → Hook

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Gervonta Davis (“Trap Counter” Style)

Setup Style:

• Lets opponent over-commit

• Pulls head slightly back

• Fires a tight, vertical lead uppercut

Triggers:

• Opponent throws 3+ punch combinations

• Opponent stays tall

• Opponent extends forward on straight shots

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Canelo Álvarez (High-Guard Manipulation)

Setup Style:

• Body feints → Level changes

• Steps outside lead foot

• Comes up the centerline when opponent’s elbows flare

Triggers:

• Opponent raises guard high

• Opponent freezes on feints

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Roy Jones Jr. (Unorthodox Angles)

Setup Style:

• Rhythm break

• Pull-counter lead uppercut

• Lunging step with half-switch stance

Triggers:

• Opponent sits still

• Opponent follows his rhythm

• Opponent reaches with jabs

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Lennox Lewis (Long-Range Lead Uppercut)

Setup Style:

• From tall posture

• Uses the uppercut as a long-range jab replacement

• Best used against ducking opponents

Triggers:

• Opponent ducks under jab

• Opponent leans forward

• Opponent level-changes too early

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Riddick Bowe (Inside Boxing)

Setup Style:

• Chest-to-chest

• Short, “rolling” uppercuts

• Comes off collar ties and underhooks

Triggers:

• Inside fighting range

• Opponent leaning on him

• Opponent resting defensively

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Roberto Durán (Pocket Counter)

Setup Style:

• Rolls under hooks

• Counters with lead uppercut

• Feints the jab low → uppercut high

Triggers:

• Opponent hooks wide

• Opponent squares up

• Opponent leans forward to clinch

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Julio César Chávez Sr. (Pressure + Body Shots)

Setup Style:

• Dig to the body → uppercut up the middle

• Used to break guards

• Short, compact mechanics

Triggers:

• Opponent bends to protect the body

• Opponent shells high

• Opponent backs straight up

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3. TECHNICAL DESIGN BREAKDOWN FOR YOUR BOXING GAME

This is the full development module covering:

• Lead Uppercut stats

• Hit Zone logic

• Range & timing rules

• AI tendencies

• Directional damage charts

• Traits & modifiers

• Animation requirements

• Critical zone & Hurt State mapping

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A. LEAD UPPERCUT — CORE STATS MODULE

Base Variables (per boxer):

LeadUppercutPower
LeadUppercutSpeed
LeadUppercutAccuracy
LeadUppercutCounterWindow
LeadUppercutFeintEffectiveness
LeadUppercutAngleModifier
LeadUppercutStaminaCost
LeadUppercutImpactShock
LeadUppercutCriticalZoneMultiplier
LeadUppercutGuardSplitChance
LeadUppercutKnockdownChance
LeadUppercutRecoveryFrames
LeadUppercutFollowUpWindow

Define in JSON Template:

"moves": {
   "lead_uppercut": {
      "power": 82,
      "speed": 78,
      "accuracy": 80,
      "stamina_cost": 9,
      "critical_multiplier": 1.45,
      "guard_split": 0.35,
      "counter_bonus": 1.75,
      "followup_window": 12
   }
}

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B. HIT ZONE LOGIC

Lead uppercuts are vertical-centerline attacks.

Primary Hit Zones:

• Chin

• Point of Chin

• Upper Jaw

• Nose Bridge

• Solar Plexus (if thrown as shovel variant)

Critical Hit Zones for Uppercuts:

• Chin

• Under-chin / Mandible

• Jaw Hinge

• Neck Base

Critical Zone Multiplier Example:

Chin: x2.0
Jaw Hinge: x1.7
Neck Base: x1.5
Upper Jaw: x1.3
Guard Forearms: x0.4

Your CriticalZoneManager should detect “UPWARD TRAJECTORY + HEAD ANGLE” to determine if the punch hits a true uppercut KO zone.

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C. RANGE & TIMING REQUIREMENTS

Effective Ranges

• Inside Range: Perfect

• Mid Range: Possible with long-armed fighters

• Outside Range: Only for Lewis/RJJ lunging style

Range Windows:

InsideRange: 0.0m – 0.55m
MidRange: 0.55m – 0.90m
LongRangeLunge (rare trait): 0.90m – 1.15m

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D. TIMING WINDOWS

Lead uppercut gains multipliers when thrown:

1. As a Counter

Counter Window: 0.15s – 0.35s
Counter Bonus: x1.75 damage

2. After a Slip or Roll

Slip Bonus: x1.5 damage

3. During Opponent Guard Transition

Guard Split Chance: +25%

4. Against Leaning-Forward Opponent

Posture Penalty: Opponent receives x1.8 damage

This matches real boxing biomechanics: a leaning-forward fighter is moving into the uppercut.

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E. TENDENCIES FOR BOXERS WHO USE LEAD UPPERCUTS FREQUENTLY

These are per-boxer sliders to plug into your Tendency System:

UseLeadUppercutFrequency
UseLeadUppercutAsCounter
LeadUppercutFeintSetupRate
UppercutInCombinationsRate
InsideUppercutPreference
OpponentLeaningPunishRate
GuardSplitAttemptRate
SlipToUppercutPreference

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F. TRAIT EXAMPLES

Iron Splitter
Uppercuts have +20 percent guard-split chance.

Pocket Sniper
+15 percent accuracy on all inside uppercuts.

Slip Assassin
Extra +10 percent counter damage after slips.

Orbital Breaker
Uppercuts to the eye level can trigger orbital damage events.

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G. ANIMATION REQUIREMENTS

Your game needs multiple animations:

1. Tight inside uppercut

2. Long-range uppercut

3. Lunging uppercut

4. Shovel uppercut

5. Level-change uppercut

6. Pull-counter uppercut

7. Short clinch-break uppercut

8. Angled uppercut (used by Canelo, Tank)

Each must have:

• Windup frames

• Acceleration frames

• Impact frames

• Recovery frames

All tied to stamina, fatigue, and boxer-specific timing.

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H. TRANSITION LOGIC

Lead uppercuts should branched from:

• Slip left

• Slip right

• Duck

• Feint jab

• Break clinch

• Body shot feint

• Step-in shift

• Pivot angle

This can be set in the Animator State Machine (Unity) or Montage/Blendspace (Unreal).

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I. DAMAGE → HURT STATE MAPPING

Lead uppercuts should be more likely to trigger:

• Stun (Short)

• Head Whip

• Leg Dip

• Chin Lift KO Reaction

• Collapse KO

Mapping example:

If CriticalZoneHit == "Chin" AND Damage > Threshold 
→ Trigger HurtState: OutColdFallBack

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J. AI LOGIC FOR LEAD UPPERCUT SPECIALISTS

If Opponent Leans Forward →

AI triggers:

PunishUppercutProbability = +50%

If Opponent Throws 3+ Punch Combo →

CounterUppercutChance = +35%

If Inside Range for >1.5s →

InsideUppercutFrequency++ 

If Slip Successful →

SlipToUppercutSequence Trigger

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K. FULL BOXER PROFILE TEMPLATE FOR LEAD UPPERCUT USERS

Here is a clean JSON-like template:

"lead_uppercut_profile": {
   "usage_frequency": 80,
   "counter_usage": 75,
   "slip_setup": 60,
   "feint_setup": 55,
   "inside_preference": 90,
   "guard_split_rate": 65,
   "punish_leaning": 85,
   "combination_usage": 40,
   "power": 82,
   "speed": 78,
   "accuracy": 80,
   "critical_multiplier": 1.45,
   "stamina_cost": 9
}

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1. FULL LEAD UPPERCUT ANIMATION NAMING & MOTION LIST

(Unreal uses “A_” prefix for animations; Unity can follow same naming convention or adapt.)

CORE MOTIONS

A_LeadUppercut_Inside_L1

Short, compact inside uppercut; chin-focused.

A_LeadUppercut_Inside_Shovel_L2

45-degree shovel shot, targeting solar plexus → chin.

A_LeadUppercut_LongRange_L3

Longer extension; used by RJJ/Lewis.

A_LeadUppercut_Lunge_L4

Explosive lunge forward—high knockdown probability.

A_LeadUppercut_SlipLeft_Counter_L5

Slip left → immediate counter uppercut.

A_LeadUppercut_SlipRight_Counter_L6

Slip right → counter.

A_LeadUppercut_DuckRise_L7

From deep duck → rising uppercut.

A_LeadUppercut_PocketShort_L8

Very tight punch for clinch-break or chest-to-chest range.

A_LeadUppercut_AngleStep_L9

Step outside lead foot → angled uppercut (Canelo’s style).

A_LeadUppercut_ShiftStep_SouthpawSwitch_L10

Lead uppercut thrown during stance shift.

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FEINT + SETUP MOTIONS

A_LeadUppercut_Feint_JabDip_LF1

Jab feint → dip → lead uppercut.

A_LeadUppercut_Feint_LowBody_LF2

Fake to the body → uppercut to head.

A_LeadUppercut_ShoulderRollTrigger_LF3

Shoulder roll → pop-up uppercut (James Toney style).

A_LeadUppercut_HighGuardPull_LF4

Pull back guard → shoot uppercut.

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CLINCH & BREAK UPPERCUTS

A_LeadUppercut_ClinchBreak_LC1

Clinch disengage → uppercut.

A_LeadUppercut_InsideWrestle_LC2

Thrown while hand-fighting inside.

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KO-SPECIFIC UPPERCUT ANIMATIONS

A_LeadUppercut_KOExtension_LK1

Tyson-like explosive KO punch with max acceleration.

A_LeadUppercut_KOChinLift_LK2

Chin lift reaction targeted.

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2. HOW LEAD UPPERCUT INTERACTS WITH YOUR CRITICAL ZONE HEATMAP

Your CriticalZoneManager should track impact direction, angle, and force.
Uppercuts use a vertical-ascending trajectory, which activates specific high-value zones.

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PRIMARY CRITICAL ZONES FOR LEAD UPPERCUTS

1. Under-Chin (Mandible Base)

KO Rate: High
Multiplier: x2.0

2. Point of Chin → Vertical Axis

Multiplier: x1.8

3. Jaw Hinge / TMJ

Multiplier: x1.6

4. Neck Base (C1–C3)

Multiplier: x1.5

5. Upper Jaw / Maxilla

Multiplier: x1.3

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SECONDARY ZONES

Nose Bridge / Philtrum

Multiplier: x1.1

Lower Guard Forearms

Multiplier: x0.4
(Guard split chance applies.)

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HEATMAP BEHAVIOR

Each zone increases or decreases:

• Damage

• Shock/Stun rate

• KO probability

• Camera shake level

• Animation reaction selection

Example mapping:

If HitZone = MandibleBase:
    Damage *= 2.0
    HurtState = ChinLift_StunLong
    KOChance += 35%

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UPPERCUT HEATMAP ADD-ONS

(For cinematic KO and training mode visual debugging.)

Vertical Path Lines

Show angle of ascent.

Impact Point Glow Intensity

Based on force.

Counter-Window Overlay

Highlights when a slip → uppercut guarantees multiplier.

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3. LEAD UPPERCUT COMBO TREE (50+ SEQUENCES)

Sorted by category for AI and designer tools.

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A. BASIC ENTRY COMBOS

1. Jab → Lead Uppercut

2. Double Jab → Lead Uppercut

3. Jab Feint → Lead Uppercut

4. Body Jab → Lead Uppercut

5. Lead Hook Feint → Uppercut

6. Step Jab → Uppercut

7. Pivot Left → Uppercut

8. Pivot Right → Uppercut

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B. SLIP / COUNTER COMBOS

9. Slip Left → Lead Uppercut

10. Slip Right → Lead Uppercut

11. Duck → Uppercut

12. Pull Back → Uppercut

13. Shoulder Roll → Uppercut

14. Catch Jab → Uppercut

15. Parry Right → Uppercut

16. Parry Body Shot → Uppercut

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C. PRESSURE STYLE COMBOS

17. Lead Uppercut → Rear Hook

18. Lead Uppercut → Lead Hook (Tyson)

19. Lead Uppercut → Rear Uppercut

20. Lead Uppercut → Rear Cross

21. Lead Uppercut → Rear Hook → Lead Hook

22. Uppercut → Body Shot → Uppercut

23. Uppercut → Hook → Hook Body

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D. ANGLE SHIFT COMBOS

24. Step Outside → Uppercut → Cross

25. Step Inside → Uppercut → Hook

26. Shift Step → Uppercut → Rear Cross

27. Pivot → Uppercut → Hook Body

28. Lateral Step → Uppercut → Hook

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E. LONG-RANGE / SPEED COMBOS

29. Lunge Uppercut → Hook

30. Long Uppercut → Jab → Cross

31. RJJ Rhythm Break Uppercut → Hook

32. RJJ Pull Uppercut → Lead Hook

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F. CLINCH + INSIDE BOXING COMBOS

33. Clinch Break → Uppercut → Hook

34. Inside Hand-Fight → Uppercut

35. Collar Tie → Short Uppercut

36. Uppercut → Uppercut (double-short)

37. Uppercut → Body Hook → Head Hook

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G. KILLER FINISHER COMBOS

38. Uppercut → Overhand

39. Uppercut → Cross → Hook

40. Uppercut → Hook → Uppercut

41. Double Uppercut → Hook

42. Shovel Uppercut → Hook to Liver

43. Slip → Uppercut → Uppercut

44. Duck → Uppercut → Overhand Right

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H. ELITE SPECIALTY COMBOS

45. Tyson: Slip → Uppercut → Hook

46. Tyson: Duck → Uppercut → Cross → Hook

47. Tank Davis: Pull → Uppercut KO

48. Tank Davis: Block → Uppercut → Hook

49. Canelo: Feint Low → Uppercut High → Hook

50. Canelo: Step-Angle → Uppercut → Body Shot

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4. AI PERSONALITY PROFILES (UPPERCUT SPECIALISTS)

These plug into your Tendency System and AI State Machine.

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A. MIKE TYSON — “PEEK-A-BOO PREDATOR”

Uppercut_Usage = 95
SlipToUppercut = 98
InsideWorkPreference = 90
GuardSplitAggression = 84
AngleExplodeRate = 88
KOIntent = 92
FeintRate = 40
RhythmBreak = 65
ComboLength = 3–6
EntryStyle = Slip, Duck, Weave
FinishPreference = Uppercut → Hook

Behavior Summary:

• Constant pressure

• Slips and dips to create uppercut windows

• Prefers tight-range KO chains

• Uses forward explosive footwork

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B. GERVONTA “TANK” DAVIS — “TRAP & PUNISH”

Uppercut_Usage = 88
CounterUppercut = 96
BaitingTendency = 94
InsideDamageFocus = 80
Patience = 89
ExplosiveBurst = 93
DistancePlay = 77
FeintToFreeze = 75
KOIntent = 96

Behavior Summary:

• Walks opponents into shots

• Slow pressure, high precision

• Places traps, punishes overextension

• Deadly counter uppercuts

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C. CANELO ÁLVAREZ — “LEVEL CHANGE SNIPER”

Uppercut_Usage = 76
FeintControl = 92
AngleStepUsage = 85
BodyToHeadSwitch = 89
GuardManipulation = 95
CounterShotIQ = 82
KOIntent = 70 (selective)
Efficiency = 98
ComboLength = 2–4

Behavior Summary:

• Feints high/low constantly

• Waits for elbows to flare

• Uses angles to generate clean uppercuts

• Not volume-heavy—precision over output