A rival promoter once called her "the toughest lady in boxing."

It would be difficult to dispute that.

Lorraine Chargin could be equally charming and pugnacious, depending on the circumstance, yet remained respectful of the sport as the wife and indispensable behind-the-scenes partner of Hall of Fame boxing promoter Don Chargin.

She died of cancer Tuesday night in a hospital near the Chargins' seaside home in Cambria. Her death at age 79 leaves a void in the boxing world.

Television networks, major promoters and fighters past and present, including Oscar De La Hoya, Carmen Basilio and Gene Fullmer, were among those offering condolences Wednesday.

Sacramento, in particular, lost a valued contributor to its ring history. For many years, the Chargins and the late Sid Tenner worked to host some of the area's biggest fights and develop its major boxers.

Said Roy Englebrecht, head of a California promoters organization: "I am a better promoter because of her. Don was in charge of the fighters and Lorraine handled the finances and logistics. She always reminded me that the devil was in the details of the boxing business and you had better address it to be successful."

"Don and Lorraine have been a unique team during their 49 years of marriage," added longtime boxing publicist and close friend Bill Caplan.

Growing up in a family of 13 children in New Haven, Conn., Lorraine Chargin had a versatile background, ranging from modeling to real estate agent to boxing.

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