Bundaberg boxer Attila Kovacs is ready for the Pan Pacific Masters Games

Bundaberg boxer, trainer and coach Attila Kovacs has put a lot of time into training world champions. Now, he’s jumping back in the ring at the age of 77.

At 77, Bundaberg boxing coach Attila Kovacs can’t think of anything more exciting than the feeling of being back in the ring and that’s exactly where he’ll be on Thursday.

Kovacs has trained many a world champion, including his sons, but this week he will fight for his own title in the Pan Pacific Masters Games.

He’s headed to the Gold Coast on Wednesday with wife Rita, where he’ll meet Victorian opponent Gary Patterson in the 61-plus age bracket.

The Attila Boxing Academy owner said he’s eager to get back in the ring for one final time.

“I want to have one more time, I want the feeling,” Kovacs said.

“It’s on my bucket list and I want to do it now.

“When you’re 77, you don’t know what the next day will bring.”

It will be the first time in 60 years that Kovacs has competed professionally, but he says nerves are something he reserves for when he’s on the sidelines as a coach.

Rita helps husband Attila Kovacs train for the Pan Pacific Masters.

He’s confident of going in for the win.

“I’m the man,” he said.

Boxing has long been his passion, taking it up when he was just 12.

In 2020, he started a new gym at his own home.

“I had a rough upbringing and I met the wrong friends,” he said.

“One day I put myself together to do a sport. I started wrestling and it wasn’t the right thing for me, then I started boxing and I loved it.”

He trains dozens of boxers at his Bundaberg academy, from eight-year-olds through to one-on-one classes with adults.

Next week he’s off to Adelaide to coach Shannan Davey for the Australian Titles.

“I’ve been teaching for 20 years,” he said.

“My boys go all over the world.”

Preparation for the Masters has involved a strict regimen for Kovacs, who has been carefully watching his weight, eating well, sleeping early and abstaining from alcohol.

Acceptance into the Games also includes numerous medical checks and blood tests.

Attila has trained many boxing champs over the years, including his own sons.

Kovacs said he hoped to inspire other trainers to have a go at the Masters, and to inspire kids too.

“But mainly, I want to do it for me,” he said.

“If the kids go in the ring, that takes a lot of courage, because the other wants to hit you.

“I know what to do, but putting it in perspective is a different thing.”

The Bundaberg boxing legend couldn’t be more ready to put his years of training and knowledge to the test.

The Games will feature 16,000 athletes in multiple categories, from 40 nations.

Kovacs will be in the ring on Thursday, with a live stream available from the website.