Muggers got more than they bargained for when they attacked Southfields pensioner Joe Robinson - he used to be a world wrestling champion!

The 6ft 2ins, 68-year-old muscleman, a champ in the 1950s, fought back after being jumped by at least eight thugs carrying knives and baseball bats as he got off a bus while holidaying in Cape Town, South Africa.

He dismissed two of his attackers with flying kicks, one with a karate chop, then punched another breaking his arm.

The rest realised they had picked on the wrong man and fled.

Mr Robinson, who suffered only minor cuts and grazes, was said to be fine and still enjoying his holiday as The Guardian went to press.

But speaking from his Ellerton Road home, also in Southfields, son Joe paid tribute to his father's agility.

He described him as a phenomenal man and said he was extremely fit for his age.

"Luckily for him he is still in peak condition.

"He was able to withstand the onslaught and managed to do quite a bit of damage himself.

"Put it this way... I certainly wouldn't like to tangle with him."

Mr Robinson is expected to return home next month.

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