The main objective of this study was to determine differences, if any, in three-dimensional (3D) kinematic characteristics of the three principal punches (the jab, hook and uppercut) executed by novice, intermediate and elite level amateur boxers. Specifically, the kinematic variables related to the displacement, linear velocity and acceleration of the upper body segments, translational hand acceleration and vertical ground reaction force generated by boxers were analyzed. The subjects of this study composed of 10 novice, 9 intermediate, and 11 elite level amateur boxers. Ages of the subjects ranged from 18 to 34 years old. All subjects executed their punches toward a head-high target on a standard practice bag. The motions were captured with PhaseSpace real time optical tracking system with 8 high speed cameras at 240 fps. Then, the motions captured were analyzed to quantify the kinematic factors associated with each punch. The results showed that the uppercut punch generated larger linear shoulder, elbow and wrist velocity compared to the jab punch. Similarly, the uppercut punch generated larger linear shoulder, elbow and wrist acceleration compared to the hook and jab punches. Moreover, the uppercut and hook punches generated larger translational hand acceleration compared to the jab punch. As a conclusion, the results for all kinematic variables demonstrated that the type of punch executed was the major determinant of the magnitude of each factor studied. Moreover, the technique employed can significantly affect the resulting displacement, linear velocity and acceleration, and translational hand acceleration of the fist.