What are skills?

skills depends on which criteria you want to base it. Like when throwing an uppercut, it takes skill to master the timing and execution. you are considered skillful at it if you are able to do it successfully more often than not.
Now, at your question regarding what Jones lacked in skill. True that he relied so much in his athleticism..but it was because of age that it wasnt effective anymore (low-guard), he gets tagged more than before but reflex keeps him from keeping it up. I say this because he's probably more adept throwing his punches from his waste rather than from guarding his head. Skill is not textbook, its really about being effective.

 

SKILL: stuff you learn and master.
-jabbing
-slugging
-countering
-defense
-ring generalship


TALENT: stuff you naturally have.
-power
-speed
-agility
-chin
-endurance (to some extent)

 

Technically, a skill in sport is the putting together of a number of 'techniques', or movements. Therefore one of Ricardo Mayorga's wild swings is a 'skill' in technical terms. To me though, skills in boxing are putting together fluid, straight punches and being good defensively.

 

I say Skills are unique attributes that a fighter posesses that he has in his arsenal to obtain victory.. More seasoned and experienced fighters have great skills because obviously they have been able to pick more bits and pieces up over longevity.. Yet a lot of todays teachings are quite superior because the science of boxing is more advanced ie.. Technology has played a part in honing fitness and techniques.. So Skills are purely that..

The basic tools each fighter as a unique being adds to his CV through his journey through the game.. Floyd had the edge in many quarters because he has grown up in a very big boxing family.. Roger fought as a ledgendary fighter against some amazing guys.. Brazier, Pazienza, Long, Tszyu.. etc.. Jeff fought Oscar and is an amazing trainer in his own right.. His father Floyd sr boxed for a long time and fought a hard bout with Sugar Ray Leonard.. His upbringing was "Boxing" the advice that was instilled in him from an early age must have been incredible.. Ricky has great skills and is like a sponge , he also has been around the game since a tiny kid but his family was not as boxing orientated as Mayweathers.. Its a very great fight..