Floyd Mayweather Jr has paid tribute to Manny Pacquiao's fighting qualities after beating the Filipino in their money-spinning Las Vegas fight.
The American added Pacquiao's WBO belts to his WBA and WBC titles after a display of counter punching and a tight defence saw him to a unanimous points decision at the MGM Grand Arena.
Speaking after the match, the 38-year-old suggested that his "smart" approach helped him win.
He told Showtime: "I want to thank all the fans that came and those around the world. He's a hell of a fighter. Now I see why he is one of the guys at the pinnacle of the sport of boxing.
"I knew he was going to push me. He had moments in the fight but I kept him on the outside, I was a smart fighter I out-boxed him. We did what we had to do tonight, I'm truly blessed."
Mayweather also confirmed his intention to fight again in September, in what is expected to be his final bout as a professional.
Chris O'Keefe
