Manny Pacquiao is the first boxer in history to win seven world titles at seven weight divisions after defeating Miguel Cotto in the 12th round of their WBO welterweight fight in Las Vegas.
The Filipino star twice put his Puerto Rican opponent on the floor before the referee called a halt to the fight in the final round.
"I thought in 11th round they would stop the fight. I am surprised he continued to fight," said Pacquiao.
"I tried my best to knock him out.
"It's history for me and more importantly a Filipino did it."
Pacquiao, who is regarded as the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world, could now fight American Floyd Mayweather Jr in a much-anticipated welterweight super clash.