Longtime promoter Chargin back in game

It took Don Chargin awhile to get back to doing what he loves. But the 83-year-old boxing promoter couldn't see himself just sitting at home mourning the loss of his wife, Lorraine, forever.

The Chargins were married 50 years, and when Lorraine died after a long battle with cancer in May 2010, it left a huge void in Chargin's life. Together, they had promoted boxing in California for six decades, giving hundreds of fighters a chance to earn a living in the sport.

"It was very hard," said Chargin, who is helping to promote WBA light heavyweight champion Beibut Shumenov, who will defend his title Friday at the South Point against Danny Santiago. "We had a great marriage, and she was absolutely the most organized person I've ever seen. She was fantastic."

Shumenov approached Chargin a year ago about working with him, but Chargin turned him down, saying he wasn't ready. But when Shumenov (11-1, seven knockouts) signed for his title defense against Santiago (31-4-1, 19 KOs) and reached out again to Chargin, this time, he said yes.

"He's a kid with an amazing story," Chargin said. "He's only 27, and he's already captured a world title. He's a lawyer. He's really a promoter's dream."

Chargin has been more active recently. He has promoted four cards in Fairfield, Calif., located between San Francisco and Sacramento. Chargin said the fights have been well-attended, and he plans to do more shows in the area.

"Everything is so different now," Chargin said. "I remember stapling posters to telephone poles; that's how you promoted fights. Now, you've got all these things -- Facebook, Twitter, YouTube; I don't really understand how it works, but I know you're able to reach a lot more people."

■ SHUMENOV-SANTIAGO OFFICIALS -- The Nevada Athletic Commission has named Las Vegas' Tony Weeks to referee the Shumenov-Santiago fight. The judges will be Dick Houck and Dave Moretti of Las Vegas and Raul Caiz Jr. of California.

■ KRAEL DEBUT -- Seventeen-year-old Las Vegas lightweight Cameron Krael will make his pro debut Friday at the Cosmopolitan after the NAC granted him a one-fight license.

Krael, who turns 18 in December, had to get approval from the commission to turn pro. He will face fellow Las Vegan Franky Martinez (0-3), 28, in a four-round bout that is part of the undercard supporting the main event between lightweight contenders Victor Cayo (26-1, 18 KOs) and Lamont Peterson (28-1-1, 14 KOs).

■ ROACH TO ATTEND TRIALS -- Trainer Freddie Roach said he will attend the U.S. Olympic Boxing Trials from July 31 to Aug. 6 in Mobile, Ala. Three Las Vegas boxers -- Michael Hunter and Andrew Tabiti at 201 pounds and Brett Rather at super heavyweight -- will compete, and Roach, who will work with the 2012 Olympic team, said he will keep an eye on the three.

"I've worked with Michael, and I am aware of Andrew," Roach said. "The football player (Rather), I haven't see, so I'm curious to see what he's got."

Las Vegas' Marina Ramirez is competing in the women's trials at 106 pounds.

Contact reporter Steve Carp at scarp@reviewjournal.com or 702-387-2913. Follow him on Twitter: @stevecarprj.