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Filipino Manny Pacquiao has made boxing history by becoming the first fighter ever to win world titles at seven different weights. The 30 year old achieved the feat in when he stopped his opponent Miguel Cotto in the final round of their WBO welterweight contest in Las Vegas. As well as welterweight, he has also held world titles at flyweight, super bantamweight, lightweight, featherweight, super featherweight and light welterweight. Pacquiao dominated the fight with a stunning display of skills, knocking his Puerto Rican opponent down twice in the early rounds. "I tried my best to knock him out," Pacquiao told reporters. "I thought in the 11th round they would stop the fight. I am surprised he continued." With 50 victories to his name, Pacquiao - nicknamed Pac-Man - is now regarded by many as the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world. His two previous wins were over the legendary Oscar De La Hoya in December 2008 and Britain's Ricky Hatton, whom he knocked out in just two rounds in May. He is now being lined for a showdown with undefeated American Floyd Mayweather Jr. Pacquiao is guaranteed a hero's welcome when he returns home to the Philippines, where he is a sporting legend. The 12-round fight was watched on TV by tens of millions of his countrymen including President Gloria Arroyo. "Once again, Filipino grit and determination triumphed over great odds," said her spokesman Cerge Remonde. "The president joins the entire nation in rejoicing over the unprecedented victory of Manny Pacquiao over Miguel Cotto." The fight was even viewed by soldiers battling al Qaeda-linked militants in the south of the country - and the rebels themselves. "In the headquarters, we set up a big screen for our soldiers to support our icon," the regional commander said. "The ground units also had their satellite feed to boost troops morale." A spokesman for the separatist Moro Islamic Liberation Front said its leaders also joined in the celebrations. "There was telecast in the remote areas on delay, but everybody watched," he said. Pacquiao had dedicated the bout to the people of the Philippines, which has been hit by two huge storms since September. They caused the worst flooding in and around the capital Manila in over 40 years and left over 1,100 people dead.