By Elisinio Castillo

After living through a dark chapter in his career, Cuba's Luis Ortiz approaches a fight for the WBA interim world title on Saturday night with a certain conviction that a victory would be the best way to close the door on that dark cloud forever

Ortiz (22-0, 19 KO) faces Argentine Matias Vidondo (20-1-1, 18 KO) on the HBO Pay-Per-View undercard to the Gennady Golovkin vs. David Lemieux from New York's Madison Square Garden.

Ortiz had previously won this title last year by stopping Lateef Kayode in one round. Afterwards he tested positive for a banned steroid and the bout was changed to a no-contest and he was stripped by the WBA.

After a suspension of several months, Ortiz returned on June 20 with a win by knockout in the first round against Byron Polley.

"I think I'm now closer than ever to becoming the first Cuban to win a professional title at heavyweight, '' said Ortiz to George Ebro." I once was very close and I missed that opportunity for reasons that I don't want to mention, although I maintain my complete innocence. I feel that this fight will be a redemption of everything that has happened.''

He was originally slated to face either Bryant Jennings or Bermane Stiverne, but says neither boxer wanted to face him.

"But none of them wanted to accept the challenge and we were willing to satisfy what they wanted, '' Ortiz said. "However, the public can appreciate my art of demolition against the Argentine boxer. I'm ready. I'm too strong and fast for Vidondo and I will prove this on October 17th.''