Yordenis Ugas assured that his teacher would have an effective plan against Manny Pacquiao.

Ismael Salas wants to validate the words of his pupil and works at a brisk pace to find the holes in the legendary armor of the Filipino star.

Ever since it was announced that the Cuban would defend his World Boxing Association belt on Aug. 21 in Las Vegas, Salas' brain is spinning, reviewing videos and planning workouts. The professor doesn't reveal anything, but he has something in mind.

Ugas received late notice of the fight, after WBC/IBF welterweight champion Errol Spence was forced to withdraw due to an eye injury that was discovered.

"Yordenis has had several fights come up at the last minute. It is a great challenge, but without challenges we have no reason to be [in boxing] and we accepted it. I said, let's move forward. Ugás agreed after the injuries to Spence and [Fabian] Maidana. Sometimes opportunities come like this come along and you have to take advantage of them," Salas told George Ebro.

"We started preparing for Spence. Then Pacquiao came in for Spence and then they spoke to us about [facing] Andre Berto and then they made a change for us to face Fabian Maidana. We have made a number of changes. But with the help of Robeisy Ramirez and Claudio Marrero, two lefties, we've done work to adjust to what Pacquiao demands.

"This is not magic. It has taken away my sleep a bit because I have had to review Pacquiao's fights, like those with Cotto and Thurman. We are making adjustments. I repeat, the willingness of Marrero and Robeisy has been important. Robeisy is observant, he helps me in the gym. I have respect for his vision. That's why he has been a two-time Olympic champion. We are a family and we all help each other. Robeisy has said things about Pacquiao that help us.'

"It's one of the biggest challenges I've had in my hands. This will be my 190th world championship fight. This is a legend about to retire. It is a great opportunity, important for Ugás and the whole team. We're going to do everything we can to get our hands on the guy.''