By Miguel Rivera

Luis 'Cuba' Arias feels that the time has come to demonstrate to the world of boxing that he belongs among the elite players at 160 pounds, and with a victory over Arif Magomedov this coming June 17 in Las Vegas - he wants to get his name in the mix with top level middleweights like Canelo Alvarez and Gennady Golovkin.

Of Cuban blood by his father and Nicaraguan by his mother, this 26-year-old from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, said that he plans to put forth an impressive performance against Magomedov at the Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas.

 The event will be headlined by the light heavyweight rematch between IBF, WBA, WBO champion Andre Ward and challenger Sergey Kovalev.

Arias (17-0, 8 KO's) pointed out that Magomedov (18-1, 11 KO's) is strong, but it won't stop him from showcasing his talent to the HBO Pay-Per-View audience.

The boxer was at one time promoted by Mayweather Promotions, but parted ways with the company and signed up with Roc Nation Sports.

"Every path is different, mine has not been easy but we are here, it is time to show the world who I am and here is the opportunity. On June 17 the world will know who I am," said Arias to ESPN Deportes.

"The middleweight division is very popular, with a great fight between Golovkin and Canelo, big names, it's one of the most popular divisions and I'm ready. It's finally time where have my chance, I want to have my name next to the best. I have in my mind and in my heart that I am the best and I must be shown to the world."

"Magomedov is a strong Russian fighter, he's going to fight, he's already been defeated, he's not invincible, he's coming to fight, he's going to be mentally and physically ready, but I'll be ready to prove that I'm one of the best in this division."