Athletes are often seen as a pinnacle of discipline and sportsmanship.

However, in a tale more suited to a Hollywood drama, a boxer has been embroiled in a scandal that has left the public and her supporters reeling.


Professional kickboxer Tara Michelle Enoka faced serious allegations of faking her cancer diagnosis to garner $37,000 in donations.

Yet, in a surprising turn of events, a court has allowed her to step back into the ring despite the accusations.

The case against Enoka unfolded when Western Australia Police charged her with attempting to gain a financial advantage through fraudulent behaviour.

Enoka allegedly deceived 500 individuals from 16 different countries into contributing to her GoFundMe campaign.

These individuals believed they were supporting Enoka's fight against a 'rare medical condition'.


The campaign, bolstered by a now-deleted YouTube video, claimed Enoka was suffering from breast and cervical cancer.

Between March and September 2021, Enoka's GoFundMe page amassed several donations before it closed down.

Authorities alleged that the funds were transferred to Enoka's bank account, which raised questions about the legitimacy of her claims.

'It will be alleged the woman had not been diagnosed with the medical condition as the fundraising account and supporting video claimed,' a WA Police spokesperson stated.


The Combat Sports Commission took action in response to these allegations.

Last year, they suspended Enoka's registration as a fighter.

According to the organisation, she was 'not a fit and proper person' as detailed in the Combat Sports Act.

However, Enoka fought back and applied to the State Administrative Tribunal (SAT) for a review of the commission's decision.

In a shocking decision, the Tribunal ruled in her favour and allowed her to return to competitive boxing.

'I find the applicant's interest in continuing to be able to compete in her chosen field is not outweighed by the public interest in the suspension being in place prior to the review proceedings being heard,' SAT member Patricia Le Miere stated as she shared her findings.


Despite the Tribunal's decision, the Combat Sports Commission has remained silent on the matter.

Meanwhile, Enoka has pleaded guilty to a separate charge of possessing stolen or unlawfully obtained property.

Enoka's controversies did not stop boxing promotions agency Dragonfire Boxing from announcing Enoka's return to the ring.

She is set to face Katelan Stack in a highly anticipated bout for the Australian National Boxing Federation's Australasian Lightweight Championship.

The two have a history in the ring, with each holding a victory over the other.

Enoka's case raised important questions about the trust we place in online fundraising campaigns and the responsibilities of those who seek public donations.

It also highlighted the complexities of the justice system, where legal proceedings and the court of public opinion could sometimes diverge.
What do you think about Enoka's cases and the court's decision? Please share your thoughts with us, and let's discuss the implications of this saga for the integrity of sports and online fundraising.