Dereck Chisora has accused opponent Malik Scott of being “scared” as the pair gear up for their clash at Wembley Arena this weekend.

Unbeaten Scott failed to turn up for a pre-fight press conference before he and the Hampstead heavyweight finally came face to face the following day.

And Chisora, a former Finchley ABC amateur, declared afterwards: “I’m happy now that I’ve looked into his eyes and I see that the boy is scared.

“I don’t believe all this rubbish he’s saying that he didn’t know about the press conference – he just didn’t want to see me. He even had to be forced to take off his sunglasses as we went face-to-face.

“What counts is what happens in the ring on Saturday. I’m going to do a real good job on this boy and pack him back off to America, defeated.”

Chisora, the former British and Commonwealth champion, is making his second appearance in the ring since regaining the British licence he lost following a controversial brawl with David Haye last year.

The 29-year-old’s clash with Scott for the vacant WBO international title will now headline the Frank Warren Promotions show after IBF inter-continental super-bantamweight champion Carl Frampton pulled out.

Frampton had been due to top the bill – which is being screened live on BoxNation – with a title defence against Everth Briceno, but has withdrawn due to a perforated eardrum.

Chisora’s trainer Don Charles added: “Trust me, Del is in the best shape of his career and Scott will be not be able to stand the heat.

“Del is hungry and determined as he knows he can’t afford to lose this fight.”

Tickets are still available on 0844 249 1000 or www.eventim.co.uk, or from Wembley Arena on 0844 815 0815 or www.wembleyarena.co.uk