How did Manny Pacquiao set a record by winning world titles in eight weight classes?

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Floyd Mayweather Jr., wearing black and gold trunks, lands a left punch on Manny Pacquiao, in yellow trunks, during their welterweight title fight in a boxing ring. — boxing Manny Pacquiao (right) and Floyd Mayweather, Jr., in their 2015 welterweight bout; Mayweather won in a unanimous decision.

Manny Pacquiao achieved the unprecedented feat of winning world titles in eight different weight classes by consistently moving up in weight throughout his professional career and defeating established champions in each division.1

His progression through these weight classes included:

Flyweight: Won the WBC title in 1998.1
Junior Featherweight: Won the IBF title in 2001.1
Featherweight: Won The Ring title in 2003.1
Junior Lightweight: Won the WBC and The Ring titles.1
Lightweight: Won the WBC title.1
Junior Welterweight: Won The Ring championship in 2009.1
Welterweight: Won the WBO title in 2009.1
Super Welterweight: Secured the record-breaking eighth weight class title by defeating Antonio Margarito in 2010.1

Pacquiao’s success was supported by his trainer, Freddie Roach, who helped him evolve from a left-handed slugger into a multifaceted fighter with improved footwork, speed, and defense. By the time he reached his eighth title, he was widely considered the world's finest boxer, pound for pound.1