CANONSBURG, Pa. -- Former world lightweight champion Paul Spadafora says he's recovering from an alcohol problem and ready to resume his career, even as he faces trial for allegedly trying to kill his fiancee.

"The Pittsburgh Kid" told Channel 4 Action News reporter Chris Glorioso that he can't talk specifically about the shooting of Nadine Russo, except to say that "what has been reported is not true."

"That's my baby," Spadafora said Wednesday. "I love her. She wants to marry me."

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Russo was shot at a McKees Rocks gas station in the early morning hours of Oct. 26, 2003. Prosecutors contend that Spadafora, angry over two flat tires on his Hummer H2, was the gunman. A trial on an attempted homicide charge is scheduled for October.

The undefeated ex-champ said he has been sober since entering a rehabilitation program shortly after the shooting. He fights Chicago's Ruben Galvan Thursday night at the Hilton Garden Inn in Canonsburg, Washington County.