The Erie County district attorney's office will withdraw a case against Paul Spadafora in which the former world lightweight boxing champion was charged with violating a protection-from-abuse order, prosecutors said.

Mr. Spadafora, 32, was arrested yesterday in Edinboro, where police had gone to a motel to recover a car that had been reported stolen. The car had been driven to Edinboro by Nadine Russo, the mother of Mr. Spadafora's child. She also is the woman who filed the petition last June in Erie County seeking protection from Mr. Spadafora.

In October 2003, Mr. Spadafora, formerly of McKees Rocks, shot Ms. Russo in the chest during a domestic dispute at a gas station in the borough. He served about a year in prison on a charge of aggravated assault.

The Allegheny County district attorney, in exchange for Mr. Spadafora's guilty plea on the charge, decided not to prosecute him on the other counts, including attempted homicide.

The PFA order remains in effect until 2010. Mr. Spadafora had been prohibited from having any contact with Ms. Russo.

Erie County Assistant District Attorney Erin Connelly said it would be too difficult to prosecute Mr. Spadafora for violating the PFA order when it was the victim, Ms. Russo, who drove more than 100 miles to make the contact.

"For prosecution purposes I can prove he violated, but I find it hard to believe that she is in fear," Ms. Connelly said.

Mr. Spadafora was arraigned last night and released on $2,500 bond.

Edinboro police Chief Jeff Craft said officers recovered the vehicle that had been reported stolen. The owner of the car decided not to file charges against Ms. Russo for using it without authorization.