too many to fight
It sucks to have to back down man, but with 25 guys you are fucked. Also, in a big group like that people don't feel as responsible for their actions- mob mentality sets in, everyones adrenaline is jacked, and before you know it you're on the ground getting kicked to death. This shit happens a lot (Remember the footage of Reginald Denny catching a brick to the head during the L.A. riot in the early 90s?. Just one example.) You did the right thing. Fuck juicin' for it, man.