what are all the skills a boxer must perfect.

[We want Floyd]

I'd disagree. I think having your sparring partners chin check you in training can help build a better chin but you have to have something to work with to start off. If you are born with a glass chin I don't think any amount of training can help you devolp a granite one.

PAC got KTFO w/ one single punch, then got tko'd. Look at where he's at now. taking on fighters naturally bigger than him. I think one can develop a chin, it's called conditioning and being mentally tough. A fighter may not end up w/ a Hagler or Holyfield type chin, but being able to absorb chin punches can be improved in my opinion.

And to the topic at hand. Yeah, just like a few of you have already mentioned, a jab is the key to being able to box your opponent, and developing or having a good sense of distance would do wonders, also developing one's counter-punching skills.

[brently1979]

The ability to read another fighter during a fight and adapt to different styles.

[michaelwbray]

I think that neck strengthing exercises definately improve your chin. Often times its the head snapping back that causes your "brain to hit your skull" that causes the KO. Having strong neck muscles can stop your head snapping as severly, therefore preventing the KO. Thats a physical aspect.

If someone gets punched in the nose and goes down and thinks, "that hurt. **** this. i'm staying down." thats a mental thing which is much harder to change.

To be a good boxer you need to master the jab, and have a couple of good power punches in your arsenal. Straight right and the left hook. Being able to effectively manouever your opponent to where you want him, time him etc. Everything seems so much easier when you master the basics. Adding upper cuts and right hay makers etc early on when training a fighter is almost unnessecary. Time and a place for them, but get the basics right first.

[OptimusWolf]

judging by most posts on this forum they simply have to have fast hands and quick reflexes - that is what passes as "skillz" to some of these guys.

Zab Judah or Kostya Tszyu - who was more skilled?

To me it is hands down Tszyu, but i bet most on here would say Judah.