It is best that you look at getting 2 or more of the same item, the mid-boss fight is pretty much the hardest to dodge in phase 2. Basically:

2 energy drinks allow you to pretty much consistently combo with minimal delay

Rather than investing in the health powerup, look for vampire teeth, 1 is meh but 2 is really good, kinda goes for every item

The Shank cannot be stacked, so dont make the mistake of buying 2

The regular "human" goons you fight are very easy to dodge once you get used to juking them just as they are about to punch.

Good luck, man.