The 13-year-old returned from Western Australia earlier this month with a silver medal from the national titles just months after he claimed his maiden NSW Amateur Boxing Association crown at Richmond with impressive displays in the under-15 section.

The final was only Baingan-Cruise’ 15th fight and the Maitland City Boxing Club product gave a good account of himself at the nationals.

The young pugilist said he was thrilled with his performance.

“I went really good, I was really happy,” Baingan-Cruise said. 

“Everyone from my NSW team was really impressed with how I fought.”

Baingan-Cruise was beaten in the under 15, 48kg division by national champion Jayden Druery.

Fellow Maitland City member James Lynch, who had won silver at the 2011 and 2012 nationals, had to withdraw from this year’s event with a hand injury.

Baingan-Cruise’s father and coach Tom said he was proud of his son’s effort.

“When he rang me to tell me I was very proud,” he said. 

“He trains for a couple of hours for four or five days a week so he is very committed for a young bloke.”