RingTV’s Cynthia Conte interviews amateur star Ernesto “Tito” Mercado, who is representing Nicaragua in the trials for the 2021 Tokyo Olympic Games. A native of Pomona, California, Mercado put off his pro debut for the opportunity to participate in the Olympics and fulfill his lifelong dream of winning a gold medal.

At just 19 years-old, Mercado has fought over 200 amateur bouts and is a decorated amateur with 21 national titles under his belt. He spoke to Conte about sparring with Nicaraguan legend Roman “Chocolatito” Gonzalez ahead of the future hall of famer’s March 13 rematch with Ring/WBC 115-pound champ Juan Francisco Estrada.

Mercado is looking to make a huge statement as he gears up for the Olympic trials in Buenos Aires in hopes of carrying the Nicaraguan flag at the Tokyo Games. Mercado talks about the father/son training team with his father, former amateur Ernesto “Neto” Mercado, among other subjects.