Didn't the Ian/Axel confrontation outside of the club have two variations? In both, Axel goes to push Ian away, and iirc in one he can stumble, but the other (athletic and/or fit) Ian knocks his arm away and holds firm.
Axel being a photographer and hanging out with models all day seems like the type of guy that works out to build pretty muscles. Ian's been learning to fight. Hopefully that will counter the weight and reach differences. Especially if he can get in Axel's head. I'd love if Ian messed up his elbow/broke his arm so Axel can't hold his camera properly for months on end.