Trio of Thugs Likely Figured on an Easy Heist With 'Small' Gray-Haired Man Behind the Counter. They Figured Wrong.

Keith Butler readily admitted his apparent disadvantage when it comes to physical confrontations.

"I'm small," he said, according to the Independent.

So when a trio of masked thugs entered the Australian convenience store where the gray-haired 64-year-old works and demanded money late last month, it's quite likely they figured on easy pickings.

Image source: Live Leak

Except that Butler is an ex-boxer — and a current black belt.

When the first would-be robber got behind the counter, a surveillance camera showed Butler grabbing a bat and wrestling him.

Image source: Live Leak

Image source: Live Leak

The thug's two partners soon entered the store as well, and one wearing a scary-looking white ghoul mask seemed ready to help overpower Butler —

Image source: Live Leak

— but then thought better of it, backing away closer to the exit.

Image source: Live Leak

In fact, the lead guy gave up the fight within seconds and followed his fleeing comrades out the front door.

Image source: Live Leak

But that wasn't enough for the feisty Butler, who wielded his bat as he chased after them.

Image source: Live Leak

"The thing is people who are small react in that way," he said later, the Independent reported. "The way you come up in life, you don’t let people bully you."

Image source: Live Leak

And as for the hapless thugs who picked the wrong 64-year-old to mess with?

Image source: Live Leak

"I’d like to say to the three guys if they’re watching this: Get yourselves a job, you’ll earn more money.”

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