Street Fighter 2: Champion Edition/Balrog (boxer)

My fists have your blood of(sic) them.

Introduction

A former World Heavyweight Champion, banned from the professional circuit for killing bitting the ears of an opponent, and now Shadaloo's forth in command. Unfortunately in SF2CE he is the worst character in the game due to his slow startup normals, no good low or mid pokes, strange animation when crouching and going out of crouch (in the World version) and no reversal. Despite these incredible flaws, he is a great "poking and rushing" char with incredible redizzy potential.

Compared to his World Warrior version, Balrog was barely touched, being these main changes on his Turn Around Punch (TAP) and the addition of his trademark headbutt grab. However, it's interesting to mention that Balrog is very different according to the game version: the USA/World TAP cannot be charged and his Dash Straight can be avoided just by crouching, while his Japan version has 8 TAP levels (according to the time you hold the 3 buttons) and the Dash Straight causes chip damage even if the opponent is crouched, making him a significantly better character than his World counterpart.

This is Balrog's first step from being a low-tier character to becoming a top-tier in Super Turbo and also a mid-upper in Super Street Fighter IV revisions.

Color Options

Start	Default

Moves List

Normal Moves

• Headbutt: close, f + MP or HP

Special Moves

• Turn Around Punch (a.k.a. TAP): Hold all three Punches or Kicks for at least 2 secs then release
• Final Punch: Above move and hold for 60 secs and release (Japanese Version Only. Does MASSIVE damage)
• Dash Punch: b~f + Punch
• Dash Uppercut: b~f + Kick

The Basics

• Anti-Airs: Dash Upper, crouching High Punch, standing Medium Punch
• High Pokes: Standing Medium Punch, Standing High Punch
• Low Pokes: Crouching Roundhouse Kick

Pros

• Long pokes that trade well
• Strong anti-air moves
• CPS1 Chain Only Boss
• Great redizzy combos

Cons

• Fireball and Sweep Easy Eater
• No reversal
• Too reliant on TAP to hit crouchers in World version (Dashing Straight cannot hit crouchers).

Combos

• j.HP, cr.LK, st.LK, b charge f+K, s.HP (redizzy)
• cr.LP, st.LP, b chage f+P
• (Zangief Only)cl.MP, st. MP, st. MP
• (Zangief Only)cl.MK, Cr. MP, st. MP
• (Opponent in Corner)cl.MK, St. HP
• cr.LK x1~3 CPS1 Chain st.HP
• (Dhalsim Only, in corner)Throw, j.LP, st.MP, s.HP OR j.LP, b charge, st.MP, F+P

Hitboxes

Standing Normals

• Standing LP:

Damage	4
Stun	1~7
Stun Timer	40
Chain Cancel	Yes
Special Cancel	Yes
Frame Advantage	+5
Frame Count		3	4	5
Frame Count		1+3	4	5

A standard jab punch. Balrog's arm is fully invincible. Useful to cancel into rushes. Also good to stop some stuff (Honda's headbutts for example, or Dhalsim drills on reaction).

• Standing MP:

Damage	14
Stun	5~11
Stun Timer	60
Chain Cancel	No
Special Cancel	No
Frame Advantage	+6
Frame Count		3	3	4	3	4
Frame Count		1+6		4	7

Second best anti-air move. Has more range than cr.HP.

• Standing HP:

Damage	22
Stun	11~17
Stun Timer	80
Chain Cancel	No
Special Cancel	No
Frame Advantage	+2
Frame Count		5	3	6	9	6
Frame Count		1+8		6	15

Great poke to use at max range. Hits mid against most of the cast which makes it a must know move. It CAN'T hit the following opponents when they're crouching: Ryu, Blanka, Guile, Ken, Chun Li, and Dictator.

• Standing LK:

Damage	10
Stun	1~7
Stun Timer	40
Chain Cancel	Yes
Special Cancel	Yes
Frame Advantage	+5
Frame Count		3	4	5
Frame Count		1+3	4	5

Elbow attack with no notable properties. Although it does more damage than Jab, it's only useful in combos.

• Standing MK:

Damage	14
Stun	5~11
Stun Timer	60
Chain Cancel	Yes
Special Cancel	Yes
Frame Advantage	+8
Frame Count		5	4	7
Frame Count		1+6	4	7

A punch to the body. It can be used in block strings and when you predict a move that is vulnerable during its start-up, but you shouldn't try footsies with this move, since the priority is bad.

• Standing HK:

Damage	22
Stun	11~17
Stun Timer	80
Chain Cancel	No
Special Cancel	No
Frame Advantage	+2
Frame Count		5	3	6	9	6
Frame Count		1+8		6	15

Unlike Super Turbo, this move has nothing better than St.HP. Avoid using this normal.

Close Standing Normals

• Close MP:

Damage	16
Stun	1~7
Stun Timer	40
Chain Cancel	Yes
Special Cancel	no
Frame Advantage	+6/+5
Frame Count		5	4	7
Simplified		1+5	4	7

A good anti-air. Although cr.HP is preferred, it can catch opponents trying to jump away when going for a throw, and it has great priority.

• Close HP:

Damage	24
Stun	1~7
Stun Timer	40
Chain Cancel	Yes
Special Cancel	no
Frame Advantage	+6/+5
Frame Count		5	3	6	9	6
Simplified		1+8		6	15

A pretty ordinary straight punch. It's a relatively slow move, but one wouldn't use it much, since he has better options up close.

• Close MK:

Damage	16
Stun	1~7
Stun Timer	40
Chain Cancel	Yes
Special Cancel	no
Frame Advantage	+6/+5
Frame Count		4	4	7
Simplified		1+4	4	7

Body punch. This is a vital move for Balrog as it allows him to tick into Headbutt.

• Close HK:

Damage	24
Stun	1~7
Stun Timer	40
Chain Cancel	Yes
Special Cancel	no
Frame Advantage	+6/+5
Frame Count		6	6	15
Simplified		1+6	6	15

Close standing Forward and close standing Roundhouse share the same animation. Close standing roundhouse has nothing special about it.

Crouching Normals

• Crouching LP/LK:

Damage	6
Stun	1~7
Stun Timer	40
Chain Cancel	Yes
Special Cancel	Yes
Frame Advantage	+6/+7
Frame Count		1	2	4	2	2
Simplified		1+3		4	4

It can stop a Dhalsim slide on reaction at very specific situations, but otherwise the priority is awful.

• Crouching MP:

Damage	14
Stun	5~11
Stun Timer	60
Chain Cancel	No
Special Cancel	No
Frame Advantage	+9/+8
Frame Count		3	2	4	3	4
Simplified		1+6		4	7

• Crouching HP:

Damage	20
Stun	11~17
Stun Timer	80
Chain Cancel	No
Special Cancel	No
Frame Advantage	+1,+2
Frame Count		4	2	6	9	6
Simplified		1+4	8		15

Balrog's best anti-air that isn't Dash Upper. Great priority.

• Crouching LK:

See Crouching LP.

• Crouching MK:

Damage	14
Stun	5~11
Stun Timer	60
Chain Cancel	No
Special Cancel	No
Frame Advantage	+9/+8
Frame Count		3	2	4	3	4
Simplified		1+5		4	7

The same frame and attack data as cr.Strong. Even the same hitboxes too. This means Balrog has absolutely no way of trading with moves like Guile's cr.MK.

• Crouching HK:

Damage	20
Stun	11~17
Stun Timer	80
Chain Cancel	No
Special Cancel	No
Frame Advantage	KD/+2
Frame Count		2	4	6	9	6
Simplified		1+6		6	15

Although it looks like a move that hits mid, it actually hits low. Best horizontal range out of his ducking moves and knocks down. Useful for footsies when a crouching Forward won't reach. Long recovery so be careful.

Aerial Normals

• Neutral/Diagonal Jumping LP/LK:

Damage	10
Stun	1~7
Stun Timer	40
Frame Count		1	30	3	3	∞
Simplified		1	30	∞

Lasts long with a slightly higher hitbox. You can use this after a throw against Dhalsim to juggle him once

• Neutral/Diagonal Jumping MP/MK:

Damage	14/16
Stun	5~11
Stun Timer	50
Frame Count		2	15	3	3	∞
Simplified		2	15	∞

Better priority but still isn't a great air normal.

• Neutral/Diagonal Jumping HP/HK:

Damage	18/20
Stun	11~17
Stun Timer	60
Frame Count		3	8	3	3	∞
Simplified		3	8	∞

The lowest hitting of your air normals, good for certain anti-airs or starting your redizzy combos.

Throws

• Headbutt: (←/→ + Strong or Fierce)

To grab your opponent, hold towards or back and press Strong or Fierce punch. Boxer will hold the opponent in place for a few seconds and repeatedly headbutt them. If Boxer wiggles the joystick and/or mashes buttons while the grab is taking place, it will extend the duration. Similarly, his opponent may do the same to reduce the grab's duration. Sometimes people playing charge characters will elect to do this only for a moment before opting to charge during the grab's animation instead. Weirdly, the Strong grab has more range than the Fierce grab despite seeming identical due to Balrog's grabs only being activated when in Close Standing MP/HP activation range. You should favor using the Strong grab in situations where range is an issue.

Damage	22+(4*n)
Duration	300
Stun	1~7
Stun Timer	60
Range (from axis)	64
Range advantage	36

Special Moves

• Dashing Straight: (Charge ←, →, P) [charge time: 40f, 70f (Japanese version)]

Damage (Jab)	22
Damage (Strong)	24
Damage (Fierce)	26
Random dmg table	0x080
Stun	13~19
Stun Timer	120
Frame Advantage	+5
Frame Count		1~8/1~16/1~24	3	8	6	4
Simplified		4~11/4~19/4~27		8	10

Startup is 4 frames for all versions point blank, stronger punches can travel further (and thus can have longer startup). Short charge times on World and able to hit from deceptively long distances with LP and MP versions Japanese Versions of Champion Edition have a better hitbox.

• Dashing Uppercut: (Charge ←, →, K) [charge time: 40f]

Damage (Short)	20
Damage (Forward)	22
Damage (Roundhouse)	26
Random dmg table	0x080
Stun	13~19
Stun Timer	120
Frame Advantage	+9
Frame Count		1~8/1~16/1~24	3	8	6
Simplified		4~11/4~19/4~27		8	6

Startup is 4 frames for all versions point blank, stronger kicks can travel further (and thus can have longer startup). Good anti-air. Whiffs on crouching characters VERY short charge time, also amazing frame advantage which allows you to land a St.HP immediately after, and able to hit Zangief out of his Lariats on certain frames.

• Turn Around Punch (lvl 1 & 2): Hold all 3 Punch or Kick buttons for at least 30f (World/lvl1) or 120f (lvl2), then release.

Startup

Frame Count	4	4	4	7	2	2	2	2
Simplified	27

Active/Recovery

Damage (lvl1)	22
Damage (lvl2)	28
Random dmg (lvl1)	0
Random dmg (lvl2)	6
Stun	13~19
Stun Timer	120
Frame Advantage	+1
Frame Count		12	6	4
Simplified		12	10

Attacks that increase in strength and speed over time (only in Dash), making them hard to predict. They also have great hit properties able to hit nicely and on crouching opponents, essential for CE Balrog. They can be used without being 'charged' like a rush punch or headbutt.

• Turn Around Punch (lvl 3,4,5,6,7,final): Hold all 3 Punch or Kick buttons for at least 240f (lvl3), 480f (lvl4), 960f (lvl5), 1440f (lvl6), 1920f (lvl7), or 2400f (final), then release.

Active/Recovery

Damage	28
Random dmg (lvl3)	13
Random dmg (lvl4)	21
Random dmg (lvl5)	30
Random dmg (lvl6)	40
Random dmg (lvl7)	51
Random dmg (final)	64
Stun	13~19
Stun Timer	120
Frame Advantage	+1
Frame Count		12	6	4
Simplified		12	10

Japanese versions of SF2 Champion Edition have Level 2 and above TAPs can charge and had higher levels that travels further, and do more damage.

Misc Animations

Walk back	Neutral	Walk Fwd	Crouch

• Standing reel:

• Standing gut reel:

• Crouching reel:

• Dizzy:

Advanced Strategy

Balrog is a close combat specialist. His long limbs have good priority and can win most punch/kick trades with heavy damage. He is good for rushdown redizzy routines and ground poking games and does his moves really quick, which is a PITA for cornered opponents. However, Balrog's real problems are: his moves have slow startups (altough great hitboxes), and he doesn't have a reversal attack. And since he's a Boxer, he can't use kicks and have a low jump, which makes him an easy prey for fireball traps.

Balrog's main strategy is to alternate poking and far standing attacks or get closer to the opponent with TAP and Dashes. Most of time the attempts will result in trading hits, but that's normal. Just be careful to not becoming dizzy (remembering that Balrog has a high dizzy capability so these trades will end in the opponent's dizzy most of times, but don't take this as a rule). Even not having kicks, the cr.HK has incredible ground priority and can win most sweep games due to its long hitbox. Also, his st. HP has long reach and is a good answer to projectiles, specially Ryu and Ken ones. Other fireballers like Guile and Sagat can be a little tricky to counter this way, but it's still possible.

The clever Balrog player must be good at reading the opponents game, to the point of predict their fireball routines. Once Balrog hit his adversary with a j.HP or HK this can be the start of a deadly routine that will grant you the victory. As said earlier, Balrog has some good redizzy combos so learn them and, most important, learn how/when to use them. Finish the string of attacks with a TAP and go for the rip off shirt.

The TAP now is faster than the SF2 version but it's still a move that can be countered by most experienced players, so use it carefully and preferably when countering isn't possible. The chip damage is above normal but work hard for connecting the move. And remember that you can even combo a st.HP right after the successfully connected TAP on most opponents and situations, and dizzies are not that rare.

The Headbutt doesn't allow good setups. But it's a fast move and can inflict heavy damage, according the number of headbutts (button mashing FTW). And be aware of the release moment, since it can be a good start for mixup routines. For example: exchange sides to surprise the enemy about where to block, which can free the way for a good combo starter once you connect the first hit.

Cr.HP and Far st.MP are your anti-air weapons against jumping characters like Blanka and Claw, and so does the Dash Upper. Air attacks must be countered on the ground, because air combat is a lost cause for Balrog. Just don't try it. And avoid being cornered by fireball chars because it can pretty much mean game over. One of Balrog's main features is his speed, so don't be ashamed to put it to good use, pressing the opponent against the corners and even engaging tick-grab loops. Anything goes, even bitting the opponent's ear. :P

NOTE: Curiously, Japanese Balrog (or M. Bison) is a much better char. His Dash Straight has better hitbox and can hit crouching characters, and the TAP can be charged up to 60 seconds for a devastating final blow on the opponent.

Match-Ups

Balrog's match-ups according the "official" SF2CE Tier List:

• against Ryu: 1
• against Ken: 2
• against Chun Li: 4
• against E. Honda: 2
• against Zangief: 3
• against Blanka: 8
• against Dhalsim: 1
• against Guile: 0
• against Balrog: 5
• against Vega: 3
• against Sagat: 2
• against M. Bison: 2

Vs. Ryu

A tough matchup for Balrog. Ryu has better range on most of his quicker attacks with your only decent one being cr. HK and not the best speed. Can just crouch most of your attacks. Once he starts throwing fireballs it's hard to stop him unless you are preemptively jumping over it knowing he will do another one(Chances are you'll be eating a shoryuken instead). If you are cornered by fireballs all you can do is block and wait if they do something else(Not likely though). Only way to win this matchup is a great deal patience, and getting lucky with random TAPs, and landing any headbutts.

Vs. E.Honda

Again your standing fierce punch works wonders with this opponent, as it can hit E.Honda while crouching

You can keep him at bay with this move (watch out for his foot sweeps for they have just about the same range as your punch.) The non-stop super punch attack also works well here as does breaking up your charging straight punches. The best counter for his fists-o-fury attack when in the corner is cr.HK or a TAP, when you execute this move make sure that only your glove hits the hands otherwise it will be a mutual hit with you probably losing more. Jumping over his fists allows you to attempt the redizzy combo, so when possible try this.

Against his headbutt you can either jump over and headbutt him if he uses a fast one or use your jab, it will always beat headbutts.

If he headbutts you if you try to superpunch the best tactic is to get about half the screen away and execute a super punch. From this distance you will not reach him and can recover fast enough to jump or punch his headbutt if he goes for it. ((If you play with cheeps, a good tactic is to get just out of his sweep range and use a short charging punch, straight ones are better, then headbutt him. Works great.))

Vs. Blanka

Use the standing fierce punch just as you would against Honda.

This will allow you to keep him and any jump attack he uses at a distance. When he jumps in your charging uppercut attacks are very effective if he jumps from a distance. When you do use these attacks DO NOT commit to early for if you execute your punch before he starts to come down (and or) before he uses his attack you will be sitting pretty for a roundhouse kick. If he jumps in from medium range your best defense is standing strong or perhaps ducking fierce punch. At close range it is best to try to either block or walk under and headbutt for at close range your attacks will probably overextend and leave you vulnerable. If Blanka use the ball it is a simple matter to block the attack and then use a charging punch to knock him out of the air as he bounces away. The only thing Balrog has trouble with is hitting Blanka out of the electricity without getting shocked. To do so it is like hitting Honda out of his hands. Time your strike so that it barely hits him. Or if he is close to dying a superpunch will get you shocked but do more damage to him.

Vs. Guile

Guile can be very difficult for Balrog to beat especially if he plays super defensive. i.e. (sonic boom, foot sweep, sonic boom, etc.). Against a guile that jumps in and attacks a lot react much as you would to Blanka, for your charging uppercut punches are almost impregnable. But if your opponent stays on the ground using sonic booms and foot sweeps then your choices are few. First you must try to back him into a corner like Zan and Honda must do. You can go about this by using the ducking roundhouse punch to knock him over when he uses the forward sweep. Your can knock him out of the sonic booms like you can Ken and Ryu, just use the standing fierce and hit him just as he starts the motion that forms them. Another good technique is the superpunch barrage described under Ken.

Don't use this that much for it leaves you open for axe-kick.

A good way to sucker Guile into an axe-kick is to get about one inch out of his sweep range and either 1) let your man stand and move slightly back. Most patterning Guiles will see this as the beginning of a super punch and axe. 2) Wait for his sweep to start to recoil and use a short charging punch, then quickly go into the defensive crouch.

Both these fakes work fairly regularly into opening Guile up for a super punch. Respect his Cr.MK. You have no way to hit him out of it outside of landing a TAP out of it's range.

Vs. Ken

Pretty much the same as Ryu except Ken can travel way further with his shoryukens. You can punish missed shoryus with a Dash Straight or Upper. You can use crouching Roundhouse against his startup of hadoken that is slower than Ryu's one.

Vs. Chun Li

Her speed could be a problem here but your excellent air defense should help curb this. If she stays ground based and tries to beat you with foot sweeps the best defense is either the non-stop superpunch combinations or a ducking roundhouse that should knock her down if you time it right. Most Chuns however will most likely come at you from the air. Learning how to use your different charging uppercut punches is key here. Another good attack (best if you have no time to charge) is just the ducking fierce punch or standing strong. If she uses lots of head stomps you can counter this by hitting her with a standing strong or fierce as she goes over you (after she already stomped you). Or you can take her out before she even hits you. You can do this by using a charging uppercut attack (will need her to be at a distance) and timing it so that it hits her in the chest just as she starts to drop. this will work for her stomping leg will be below you. Lastly a good way to get out of her neck kick is to jump straight up and use the jab punch for it stays out so long (or strong if you have good timing) and hit her before she peaks in her attack. You may both get hit but it will give you the distance you need to start using heavier punches.

Vs. Zangief

The usual standing fierce punch will be effective against Zan as well (use them slightly more sparingly than against Blanka or Honda for the airplane punch can knock you out of any standing attack if Zan times it right.) The charging uppercut punches can knock him out of the airplane punch if you hit him in between his swinging arms. The best way to fight Zan however is to be defensive. The ducking roundhouse punch is your best defense here for its range and high priority make it very difficult for him to counter. Don't be to defensive for it won't take him long to get the timing to 360 you in between punches. Throw out a few charging punches (short range ones are best). It is best not to try jumping in for he can airplane punch you almost at will. If you do jump in the best attacks are (fierce punch then ducking roundhouse to knock him down or combo #1). Another good attack that catches many Zans off guardÔtouch the ground again use the charging jab punch. Most Zangiefs like to stay at a fairly close distance and this punch will help deter them.

Vs. Dhalsim

Your two fierce buttons are best here. Your standing fierce punch can knock him out of fireballs, and your ducking roundhouse punch can knock him out of both his ducking fierce punch and standing kicks. A good way to lure him off sides is to use lots of ducking jab punches (these recover so fast that they easily allow you to switch to a more effective ducking roundhouse kick if he tries to knock you out of the jabs or lure you off sides). When doing this try to stay about two body widths distance from Dhalsim so that if he starts a fireball you can execute a charging punch (short uppercut is best) and knock him out of it. Lastly when jumping over his fireballs use your punch almost immediately when you reach the peak of you jump (stays out long enough that you can usually hit him). If he starts to use the slide try using the jab (stays out really long) or hold your attack until you almost land. Another good way to break the fireball kick pattern is to learn the timing of either his kick or fierce punch. You can hit his leg if you use your attack (any will work) just as you start to descend in your jump. You can hit his arm pattern if you hold your attack until you about two inches above the screen. The hardest part in countering his pattern is being able to predict which defend he is going to use. The best way is to jump the fireball and look at your opponents hands instead of the screen. Then hit your button right after you see him hit his. If you have him in the corner and successfully throw him, do the combo listed above, it will deal a good chunk of damage for little effort on your part.

Vs. Boxer

A good defense and quick reaction to his charging punches are key to defeating a good Balrog. Your ducking roundhouse punch will knock him out of most things and a quick ducking jab usually knocks him out of a charging punch, if you hit him with the first jab you can treat him much as you would Ken, Ryu or Sagat if you hit them right after coming down from an uppercut. The constant superpunch technique is effective here as well as short range charging punches (good to lure your opponent into making a mistake.) When you jump in try to do so from a distance or very close, this makes it harder for him to use his charging punches, and when jumping from a distance try to hold your attack until you have an idea of what your opponent is going to do.

Vs. Claw

Vega's speed, range, excellent throw and of the wall attack combine to make him one of Balrog's toughest opponents. His claw on the ground keep you at a distance and if you jump you will be sliced. A good way to stop his constant ducking claw attack is to either use the ducking roundhouse punch if you have good timing or the standing jab punch like Zangief does. These work well as does the constant superpunch barrage. In countering his claw he will most likely go to the air. Use your charging punches like you would against Blanka. If he uses lots of wall attacks you can 1- wait for him to approach and use the ducking fierce punch 2- if it is coming from a distance use the charging uppercuts, and 3- if it is coming from an opposite wall and you have no time to really orientate yourself a simple jump away in the air punch is your best chance. A good answer to wall dives is also Balrog's standing jab, it works as an anti-air. Get a grab on Claw! If you have him in a tick throw loop he has no good way to get out of it.

Vs. Sagat

Handle much like you would Ken and Ryu but take heed of his low tigers.

Sagat's goal in the matchup is to prevent you from leaving the corner once you're there. STAY OUT OF THE CORNER! At round-start, St.MK, St.HP, or cr.HP will knock him out of an attempted low tiger. Remember that Sagat can be hit by your St.HP, so use it to check his attempts at low tigers. Low tigers are otherwise very powerful so denying his ability to use them through reads is key. Keep distance from Sagat so that if he does an uppercut you won't get nailed. If you can time it right you can superpunch him over the low tigers. You will both get hit and take damage but he will lose much more. Also if you are close when you jump over hold your attack until you are low to the ground (this is good for it will raise your chances of knocking him out of a tiger uppercut. If you are at a distance try some short charging punches to try and fool him into doing an upper cut, then if he does you can standing fierce punch him or if you have time a charging punch. One final note do not use to many standing fierce punches to deter him from throwing for 1- he can still throw low ones 2- he gets so low when he starts his tiger uppercut that he may uppercut you out of it.

Vs. Dictator

Another bad match-up,Dictador had better pokes with fastest startup,Psycho Crusher can be punished at his start with a Far Fierce at distance or if you are close,you must block them and then punish Dictator with hold him or a switch side Dash Straight or Upper, close Jab are fine to keep him away or comboing,and Stomp can be defeated at the start or follow up with a jumping Roundhouse easily,Crouching Roundhouse its your best poke for medium range and wake ups,your main plan is to avoid Corner Trap and stay in the midscreen as long as possible.

Turn Around Punch can be nice as a surprise attack if Dictador walks to get close to you,and a miss Slide is the main attack that you need to punish him with a jumping Fierce and linked to a Crouching Roundhouse, and then a Dash Upper or Straight wake up.