The thrilla from Manila

Sugar Ray Leonard and Thomas Hearns did it back in the 80s.

Oscar de la Hoya and Floyd Mayweather Jr. did it more recently.

And now boxer Manny Pacquiao joins this select group of men who have won world titles at five different weight classes after beating down former WBC Lightweight Champion David Diaz June 28 in Las Vegas.

Alright, so Pacquiao technically won The Ring magazine's featherweight lineal title from Barrera in 2003 and not one of the big four (IBF, WBC, WBA and, to a lesser extent, the WBO). But Barrera was the WBC champion before he decided to vacate the title.

Regardless, Pacquiao is still the first Asian boxer to win a major title at four different weight divisions and is arguably the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world since Mayweather retired.

At his essence, Pacquiao is a crowd-pleasing brawler, someone who is willing to go punch-for-punch until someone falls. But he's a brawler who's faster and stronger than everyone who gets in the ring with him. And ever since he's improved his footwork after his first fight against Erik Morales, he's been a beast.

And his feats don't stop in the ring.

According to The Philippine Star, the Metro Manila police reported no crimes as, apparently, everyone stayed in to watch him dismantle Diaz.

Now the question is, where does he go from here?

He has plenty of high-profile opponents to battle at 135 from Nate Campbell to Joel Casamayor, but they're all fighting one another in September. This means Pacquiao wouldn't have a crack at them until early 2009.

There's 130-pound WBA champion Edwin Valero who would be a fun fight. The fight would probably have to take place overseas since Valero isn't cleared to fight in the U.S. with the exception of Texas.

There's also the less-likely option of moving up to junior welterweight and fight Ricky Hatton. Hatton has about an inch in height on Pacquiao, but it would be a high-profile match with plenty of action.

Then there's the rumor of meeting Oscar De La Hoya at 147 pounds. Pacquiao's trainer Freddie Roach told ESPN.com that they'd be willing to fight at 147 if the money's right.

Pacman vs. the Golden Boy would be an interesting and entertaining match-up, but my bet is that he's probably going to fight Valero before the end of the year – probably in Macau or Tokyo.

But whatever happens, this pride of the Philippines has captured the hearts of imaginations of fans around the world.