EMILY Everard is following in her brother’s footsteps after entering the ring for her first full contact fight in Cardiff.

The taekwondo second dan, 12, enjoyed a fine year on the light contact open circuit and decided to represent Malvern Martial Arts Club at the Eagles Thai Boxing Show on Barry Island, Wales.

The 14-year-old opponent was a seasoned Thai boxer but still no match for Everard’s ferocious style as she kept her on the ropes for most of the first round.

She managed powerful hook punches to Everard’s head but they were not taken lightly and, 22 seconds into round two, the fight was stopped with a turning kick to the face.

The match was awarded to Everard after the standing count and followed the success of her brother Thomas, 14, who has an undefeated record this year.

Three of his fights were in cage kickboxing and he is now preparing for a Welsh title belt in Colwyn Bay in March.

For more details on the Malvern club, call Julian Burton on 07770-822033.