PITTSBURGH -- Former world lightweight champion Paul Spadafora was ordered Wednesday to serve prison time for shooting his fiancée, but he could end up with a much lighter sentence.

Judge Jeffrey Manning gave "The Pittsburgh Kid" 21 to 60 months, followed by three years of probation, as punishment for the October 2003 incident that landed Nadine Russo in a hospital for days.

However, Manning allowed for a review by the state Department of Corrections, which could decide to send Spadafora to a boot camp for six months, negating his jail time. If that happens, he could be free as soon as August.

Prosecutors said the 29-year-old boxer shot 22-year-old Russo at a McKees Rocks gas station during an argument over two tires that Russo flattened while driving his Hummer.

Russo, one of the prosecution's key witnesses, was reluctant to testify at a potential trial. Spadafora ended up pleading guilty to aggravated assault in exchange for a charge of attempted homicide being dropped.

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Slideshow: Spadafora-Russo Story In Pictures
Video: Russo Defends Spadafora, Looks Forward To Being A Family

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Last year, Russo and Spadafora filed for a marriage license. They now have a 2-month-old son.

"He's not a bad guy," Russo said Wednesday. "It was all an accident. He didn't try to intentionally shoot me. I wouldn't be with him if he did. I'm not stupid."

Defense attorney William Difenderfer agrees that Spadafora never intended to harm Russo. He has characterized the shooting as "a ridiculous drunken episode that got way out of hand."

Before the sentence was handed down, Spadafora asked Manning for leniency and said he wants to address his alcohol problem.

"If you 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 (Russo) and my son," he said.

As he left the courtroom, Spadafora said he was pleased with the opportunity that Manning had given him.

"I'm definitely going to get my life back together, get back with (Russo) and my family and go on with my career," he said.

When Channel 4 Action News reporter Kelly Frey asked Spadafora if he had anything to say to his fans, he replied, "I'll be back."

Though the relatively light sentence could help save Spadafora's once-promising career, his promoter, Mike Acri, said there are no set plans for a comeback yet.