By William Mackay: After working out with former IBF/WBC light welterweight champion Amir Khan (26-3, 18 KO’s) for the first time recently, trainer Virgil Hunter believes he can take Khan back to the top of the light welterweight division so that Khan can recapture a world title or two. Hunter was recently hired by Khan to replace previous trainer Freddie Roach, who was let go after Khan lost back to back fights to Lamont Peterson and Danny Garcia.

Khan, for whatever reason, asked Roach to spent more time working with him so that he could develop his defensive side of his gamer to a higher level. However, Roach couldn’t give Khan the time he needed and was subsequently let go.

Hunter told Fighthype.com “I was really impressed with his physical ability…Without a doubt, Amir Khan has what it takes to get back to the mountain top and remain there.”

Well, that’s a real compliment coming from Hunter because he also trains WBA/WBC super middleweight champion Andre Ward, who is probably the best fighter at 168 right now.

I don’t know whether Hunter’s words will have much meaning if Khan can’t take on and beat the big punchers in the division like Mike Alvarado, Danny Garcia, and Lucas Mattysse. Those guys hit too hard and if Khan fights them he may have to use all kinds of tricks in order to stay upright. Running won’t be enough for him to get victories over those guys.

I think Khan is capable of climbing to the top of the mountain and possibly beating a weak champion like IBF champ Lamont Peterson, but not without great struggle. However, even if Khan were able to capture the IBF belt off of Peterson, Khan would likely only remain champion for as long as he can avoid fighting Mike Alvarado #3 IBF. If Khan can avoid Alvarado for years, then I can see Khan remaining a champion for a long time because the IBF has ranked a lot of weak contenders that should be ranked in the 2nd tier. Khan can beat these guys no doubt.