Chinese Boxer Assaulted in Racist Attack on Australia Bus

Chinese professional boxer Zhou Runqi, 25, and his wife were targeted in a racially motivated assault while riding a bus in New South Wales, Australia, on October 14, the athlete revealed in an online video on October 16.

According to Zhou, the incident began when several local individuals directed racial slurs at the couple, including telling them to "get out of our territory." The situation rapidly escalated into physical violence. Zhou stated that while trying to protect his wife, he was struck in the back of the head with a sharp, screwdriver-like object. The injury, located dangerously close to a vital area, caused bleeding and a concussion. He lost consciousness for approximately 10 minutes on the way to the hospital.

His wife was also attacked, allegedly dragged by her hair off the bus, resulting in multiple abrasions and significant psychological distress.

Zhou said local police have arrested two suspects following his report, adding he would cooperate with the investigation before returning to China to recover.

The boxer's disclosure of the event online, however, led to an unexpected wave of cyberbullying. Some commentators questioned his nationality, while others criticized him for failing to protect his wife despite his profession.

In a follow-up video on October 21, Zhou clarified that he remains a Chinese citizen and moved to Australia earlier this year with his wife for training and competition opportunities due to contractual disputes that hindered his career in China. Addressing the criticism, he explained that his wife prevented him from chasing the assailants, fearing the potential impact on his boxing career.

Emotionally recounting his wife's sacrifices, Zhou said she had abandoned her career and life in China for his dreams. "If I can't even protect the person I love the most, what is the use of my fighting skills or a successful career?" he stated.

Zhou, from Xinxiang, Henan Province, holds a professional record of 11 wins, three losses, and one draw. He holds a world ranking of 160 in the super bantamweight division. His career pinnacle was winning the WBC Asia super flyweight title in Bangkok in January 2023, making him China's first continental champion born in the 2000s.