Wow, Sorry to hear this happened to you. Bigger cities can be a rough place to live. You did the right thing by not fighting until he assaulted you first. This way it clears you of any legalities and falls under self defense.

I myself have been in situations where I've had to defend myself from hot heads who love nothing more than to pick fights with people. However, my situation is different. I have to be very careful in I'm ever in a fist fight with someone. I've obtained several black belts over the years in a several styles of martial arts, and I was a kickboxer for 7 years too. I have to be careful not to use (excessive) force when defending myself. The laws can help people like me, and also go the other way.

I hope things get better for you, and I hope you're able to get this guy and press charges Again you did the right thing. Also I wonder how he'll feel when he realizes that a guy nearly 20 years older than he beat the living snot out of him

Squeak