EXCLUSIVE - Manny Pacquiao wins WBA welterweight title after stunning victory over Keith Thurman in Las Vegas (Photos)

Filipino professional boxer and politician, Manny Pacquiao has been crowned the new WBA (Super) welterweight champion after his victory against  Keith Thurman in Las Vegas last night.

The 40-year-old secured a split decision victory to hand the American the first defeat of his professional career having previously won all 29 bouts before stepping into the ring with 40-year-old ‘Pac-Man’.

The judges scored fight  115-112, 115-112 and 113-114 in Pacquiao's favour after 12 rounds bout.

After the bout, Pacquiao said: 'I was blessed tonight.'

“He’s a good boxer, he’s strong,” says Pacquiao, who becomes the oldest holder of a major welterweight title in boxing history. “I was blessed tonight.”

The 30-year-old Thurman, who had called the bout a "legacy fight" said:“I wish I had a little bit more output to go toe-to-toe. I felt like he was getting a little bit tired. But he did have experience in the ring," Thurman said.

“My conditioning, my output was just behind Manny Pacquiao. It was a great night of boxing. I would love the rematch. It is what it is, baby.''