There is a quest line that can lead to reducing Max's stats. If you unlock Sam's party and please her, Sadie will help you against Max and Gabby. If you are spending your extra time training and resting, you should have pretty equivalent stats to Max and Gabby. Trying to pursue all of the romances will cut into your training time.
(If you are still having a lot of trouble, you can always cheat with saving and reloading.)