Pickpocket in hospital after trying to steal from boxing champion

A pickpocket in Ixelles was left with a fractured skull after trying to steal from a three-time world boxing champion.

Youssef Boughanem, nicknamed Terminator, was eating takeaway chips on Place Flagey while waiting for a friend, when he caught a man trying to steal the mobile phone from his pocket.

The 30-year-old fighter from Etterbeek told the thief to go away - but he came back a few minutes later for a second attempt.

Boughanem, who has 205 victories to his name in 240 Thai boxing fights, punched the pickpocket twice in the face and kicked him twice in the shins.

"I thought he was going to take out a blade, so I kicked him in the legs and he fell to the ground," he said.

The pickpocket was taken to hospital. Boughanem spent several hours in a police cell and faces charges of assault.

He was released on bail without conditions and will plead legitimate self defence.