21 February 2016 Last updated at 13:25 GMT
Betty Jeffery was on her way to a funeral in Pitsea, Essex, when a woman tried to grab hold of her handbag.
In response, Ms Jeffery punched her on the nose.
Basildon police are seeking information on the attacker, described as in her 20s and wearing an olive green jacket and burgundy tracksuit bottoms.
A mugger got more than they bargained for after picking on a 76-year-old former national arm wrestling champion.