By Alistair Hendrie

Finchley heavyweight Dereck Chisora, 29, has developed a new enthusiasm for dieting before his July 20 clash with Malik Scott at Wembley Arena

After losing to David Haye last summer, in an eagerly awaited showdown at Upton Park, Chisora took eight months off and stopped Hector Alfredo Avila in April.

Frank Warren, his promoter, says Chisora’s lay-off has provided him with new-found discipline.

“He was eating a lot of crap before but he’s working hard now,” Warren explained. “We looked at a few things and it turned out his diet was a real problem. He was eating rubbish after coming home from the gym and I think that contributed to a few of his losses.”

Chisora fought four times between July 2011 and July 2012 – losing to the likes of Robert Helenius and Vitali Klitschko – although Warren feels the experience of those fights leaves his charge with a fine basis to build on.

“He’s fought at a consistently higher level than any other heavyweight out there. He’s got great knowledge now just from being in the ring with these guys.

“He’s only had 20 fights, remember, and he’s had a very hectic schedule, so I think having a rest for eight months or so has done him the world of good.”

Meanwhile, Warren’s top prospect Paul Butler, the British and Commonwealth super-flyweight champion, is set to challenge an un-named opponent for the WBO Inter-Continental title on June 28 in Liverpool.

“We’re very close to getting an opponent, and we’ll be announcing something in the next few days. It will be a very high ranked opponent, someone who will give him a lot of experience for the future.

“I like the fight with [British and Commonwealth flyweight champion] Kevin Satchell as well. We’d be very interested in that fight. We’re in the business of putting fights on that fans want to see.

“Kal Yafai could be another good option for the future, but he does still need experience before a few of these big fights.”