A visit to the gym with her girlfriends for netball fitness has turned into an unexpected move into the Muay Thai ring for Craigmore’s Stephanie Walton.

And with wins from each of her opening three fights, it’s proved to be a very successful move for the 23 year old, who is trained by Craig Icke at Cardio-Flex Gym.

“My girlfriends stopped going (to the gym) and I kept going for fitness and was approached 18 months later to see if I wanted to be really serious about it (fighting),” Walton said.

“It wasn’t something I’d thought about.”

Now, Walton, who fights in the 53-kilogram weight division, is wondering where else Muay Thai can take her, even if it means being a little bit selfish.

“I’m really looking forward to the next opportunity that comes along,” she said.

“It’s a lot of sacrifices, socially, I feel like I neglect family and friends, but I have a good support network – it’s very much a case of mind over matter.

“I’ve got a good mindset and I know what I want and I hope my dedication is enough."

Walton’s most recent fight saw her claim a split decision in Knees of Fury 70 at the Dom Polski Centre.