
A Chinese boxing champion announced his decision to divorce his wife after both were violently attacked by strangers on a bus in Australia — a shocking incident that left him with a concussion and his wife covered in bruises.
The incident, which took place in New South Wales, has gone viral across Chinese social media, sparking heated debates over gender roles, self-defense, and guilt in relationships.
Zhou Ruanqi, 25, from Henan province, is a professional boxer who won the WBA Asia Championship in 2023, becoming China’s first continental champion born after 2000. He and his wife had moved to Australia last year to rebuild his career after disputes with his management team in China.
In a video posted on October 14, Zhou and his wife were attacked by a woman and two men after a verbal confrontation on a bus. When Zhou’s wife protested against the group’s offensive remarks, they allegedly began assaulting her.
Zhou attempted to protect his wife but was struck in the head with a sharp object, causing a minor brain concussion, while his wife suffered multiple bruises and severe emotional distress.
Police later arrested two suspects, and under Australian law, assault causing bodily harm can carry up to five years in prison.
After being discharged from the hospital, Zhou faced online criticism for “failing to protect his wife.” Some netizens mocked the professional fighter for not retaliating during the attack.
In response, Zhou said his wife had stopped him from fighting back, fearing any violent reaction could damage his career. “If I can’t keep her safe, then what’s the point of success?” he said in a video posted on October 21, where he announced their upcoming divorce.
He described his wife as brave and selfless, recalling that she once intervened to stop three teenagers from causing trouble at a mall. “She gave up her life in China to support me. I’ve failed to protect her — I’m not worthy to be her husband,” he said.
The statement has since ignited mixed reactions online. Many called Zhou’s decision “too emotional,” urging him to “take responsibility and heal together” instead of breaking up.
Others sympathized with his guilt, saying the attack likely left lasting trauma for both.
As of now, Zhou’s wife has not commented publicly on the incident.
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Source: Vietnam Insider

