Thank you for sharing your thoughts and impressions, these are vital. I'm sorry to hear your experience was not positive, I'll try to make it better, for you and others.
Part of the planned updates is to come up with a tutorial to explain the mechanics (alabmetal slug/kof) so that the user is not overwhelmed. You see, when it started out, it was just duck, block, and punch, since the goal was to come up with a fight for 20 seconds. The other mechanics were added later on as updates upon request of the people. Now I need to work on a tutorial to explain those changes. I just haven't found the time to do so. I hope you can revisit the game after the tutorial update is rolled out, give it another chance.
As for it being closer to punch out, it is a major influence, along with street fighter. If it doesn't do it for you, there are other games on itch and steam that are way better and might satisfy your fighting game cravings. (For indies: Punch Planet, Pocket Bravery)
In any case, thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts and opinions. As an indie dev, I don't have QAs and testers, so user feedback is the closest thing I have. Many thanks!