DEVASTATED John Wyatt's Italian K1 hopes were left in tatters after his claims of a miscarriage of justice in Milan.

Thai-boxer Wyatt felt the judges should have declared him the winner in his first match on Saturday against Frenchman Samir Berbachi.

The first three regular rounds against professional boxer Berbachi were declared a draw in front of a 10,000 crowd.

An extra two play-off rounds were ordered but - despite Wyatt again confident of success - his opponent was awarded the semi-final place.

It put an end to Wyatt's dreams of a big-money contest in Australia, an accolade that fell to a Russian fighter.

The 32-year-old has asked manager Paul Hennessey to try to overturn the decision and clear the defeat from his record.

Wyatt fumed: "I've never seen a decision like that in my life. All the crowd were with me, the fighters were with me and even the Japanese promoters.

"But there was nothing I could do and I must go through the right channels. It's cost me a lot of money and a fight in Melbourne.

"I wasn't nervous, everything had come off perfectly and I controlled the fight brilliantly.

"He didn't even hurt me, I just had a few body shots to the kidney and swollen knees. He held his hands up and said I should have gone through to the semis.

"The guy easily won his semi against an Italian but had to give up the final. I had broken his ribs in our fight and they were hurting him.

"But I don't hold anything against him, it's the judges. I was blatantly ripped off."

Wyatt at least hopes his good display will earn him a prestige fight or another K1 invite.