Associated Press
PITTSBURGH -- Former IBF lightweight champion Paul Spadafora was sentenced to up to five years in state prison for shooting his girlfriend 16 months ago, but he could get out in six months if he completes a boot-camp program.
The sentencing closes the most serious chapter of several alcohol- or drug-fueled run-ins for Spadafora, and the relatively lenient sentence could enable him to resume his career.
In asking for leniency, Spadafora told Allegheny County Judge Jeffrey Manning that he needs one last chance to kick his drinking problem.
"If you just could give me just a little chance, I'll make you so proud, I'll make this whole city proud by doing the right thing for my [fiancee] and my son," Spadafora said.
Spadafora pleaded guilty to aggravated assault and a weapons violation in December for shooting Nadine Russo in the abdomen on Oct. 26, 2003, because he was upset she had flattened two tires on his sport utility vehicle. The couple has since become engaged and had a child, Geno.
On Wednesday, prosecutors withdrew the weapons charge. County assistant district attorney Ed Borkowski said prosecutors have since learned that Spadafora likely had a license to carry the gun.
Spadafora's promoter, Michael Acri, said there are no plans for Spadafora to fight again.
"Really, it's beating alcohol abuse, it's not about career plans at this point," Acri said.
In July, Spadafora stopped Francisco Campos in the third round to win his second straight fight since moving up to junior welterweight. Spadafora, who is undefeated, gave up his IBF 135-pound title in 2003 and said he was moving up to junior welterweight, where he could maintain his weight.
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isnt is sad that some people spend 10 years in jail for illegal gun possession, yet this guy only recieves up to 5 years for actually shooting someone?
PITTSBURGH -- Former IBF lightweight champion Paul Spadafora was sentenced to up to five years in state prison for shooting his girlfriend 16 months ago, but he could get out in six months if he completes a boot-camp program.
The sentencing closes the most serious chapter of several alcohol- or drug-fueled run-ins for Spadafora, and the relatively lenient sentence could enable him to resume his career.
In asking for leniency, Spadafora told Allegheny County Judge Jeffrey Manning that he needs one last chance to kick his drinking problem.
"If you just could give me just a little chance, I'll make you so proud, I'll make this whole city proud by doing the right thing for my [fiancee] and my son," Spadafora said.
Spadafora pleaded guilty to aggravated assault and a weapons violation in December for shooting Nadine Russo in the abdomen on Oct. 26, 2003, because he was upset she had flattened two tires on his sport utility vehicle. The couple has since become engaged and had a child, Geno.
On Wednesday, prosecutors withdrew the weapons charge. County assistant district attorney Ed Borkowski said prosecutors have since learned that Spadafora likely had a license to carry the gun.
Spadafora's promoter, Michael Acri, said there are no plans for Spadafora to fight again.
"Really, it's beating alcohol abuse, it's not about career plans at this point," Acri said.
In July, Spadafora stopped Francisco Campos in the third round to win his second straight fight since moving up to junior welterweight. Spadafora, who is undefeated, gave up his IBF 135-pound title in 2003 and said he was moving up to junior welterweight, where he could maintain his weight.
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isnt is sad that some people spend 10 years in jail for illegal gun possession, yet this guy only recieves up to 5 years for actually shooting someone?
