Amir Khan claims Eddie Hearn is holding back Conor Benn

Amir Khan believes Conor Benn can become the UK’s next pay-per-view-star – but thinks Eddie Hearn is ‘holding him back a bit too much’.

The British boxing legend, who won Olympic silver as a 17-year-old, announced his retirement from the sport earlier this month after suffering a stoppage loss to Kell Brook.

Khan, 35, had indicated he would hang up his gloves in the event of a defeat in their Battle of Britain at the AO Arena, Manchester.

And after a long delay, the Bolton boxer was blown by the power of his opponent, who claimed the ultimate bragging rights for the rest of their lives with an explosive performance.

Benn had also been linked with a possible fight against Khan but the latter believes he needs to test himself against the best that are out there rather than trying to lure him out of retirement.

Khan told BoxingScene.com: “The next pay-per-view star – I think Conor Benn can make it, definitely.

“If he gets some big [fights] – I think Eddie is holding him back a bit too much.

“Conor is calling out all these names he wants to fight, myself, Kell. We’re done.

“He’s got to go and prove himself against [dangerous opposition] like when I went and fought Maidana, when no one expected me to win.

“He needs to do the same thing. He needs to fight the Vergil Ortizes…he needs to really beat someone.

“When I beat Maidana, he had like 31 fights, 1 draw, and knocked 30 [opponents] out. So he needs to go and prove himself.

“I think he could be a very big pay-per-view star.”

Whether it’s a total coincidence or not, Hearn agrees with Khan that Benn is ready for a step up in competition.

Hearn told Boxing Social: “I had a meeting with Conor yesterday.

“We’re weighing up whether you have a fight in July or whether you