Philadelphia's Jesse Hart wins by decision

North Philadelphia's Jesse Hart could have fought in Las Vegas on Saturday. He could have been part of a major pay-per-view for the second time this year.

But the 23-year-old turned it down for a chance to come home.

Hart easily outpointed Steven Tyner in a four-round unanimous decision at Temple University's McGonigle Hall.

The bout was the first time in his career that Hart (5-0, 4 KOs) had fought past the third round. Tyner (3-9-2) has now lost four straight bouts.

Bryant Jennings, also of North Philadelphia, defended his USBA heavyweight title against Tonga's Bowie Tupou later in the main event.

The knockout is Hart's fifth, as he improves his record to 5-0. He's trained by his father, legendary Philadelphia fighter Eugene "Cyclone" Hart, who started his career with 19 straight knockout victories.

Hart said he was offered a bout on the undercard of Saturday's Manny Pacquiao vs. Juan Manuel Marquez pay-per-view, but his match would not be televised.

"I said if I'm not going to be televised, then I want to fight in my hometown," said Hart, who has already fought twice in Las Vegas this year.

Saturday night's win may have marked the last of Hart's bouts against second-tier opponents, as Top Rank Promotions will begin to groom him for bigger fights in 2013.

He won 85 of his 96 amateur bouts and captured the 2011 National Golden Gloves and USA National Tournament titles.

"They said they have a lot of big plans for me," said Hart. " . . . They said we're going to take off. I think Vegas will be the main stage for me."

In his young career, Hart's opposition has not been the stiffest. His five opponents met him with a combined record of five wins, 13 losses and three draws.

"Whoever they put in front of me I'm knocking them down," said Hart. ". . . In this game, you have to beat the best to be to the best and I think I'm the best already."