Local Chair Fights for His Members, and Now, a Title

DETROIT, Mich. — Whether he’s in a hearing room or the boxing ring, Local 1760 Chairperson Andrew Wirth knows how to time a punch. A CSX conductor working out of Rougemere and Oak Yards, Wirth balances his career on the rails with another demanding calling: boxing. On April 12, he steps into the ring in Cleveland to challenge for the 168-pound Master Amateur Division Title. 

Brother Wirth’s title fight is April 12, in Cleveland, Ohio at the LaSalle Theatre. Call or text Gedeon Promotions at (216) 956-1364 for tickets. 

A Champion’s Mindset

Wirth’s work as a Local Chair has honed the instincts that now guide him between the ropes. Representing members in discipline hearings requires sharp timing, quick thinking, and the ability to strike when it counts. These are all skills that transfer seamlessly to boxing. 

“It’s all about reading your opponent,” Wirth said. “In a hearing or a fight, you have to figure out what the opponent is capable of. You go into both with a game plan, but you better be ready if it doesn’t work. You look for the opening, then you go for it.” 

Brother Wirth had a similar anxiety in his first few fights as he did in his first hearings as a Local Chair. “In both, I was facing down the great unknown. But I found out that the payoff of winning gives me a similar rush in both circumstances, too, and I can’t get enough of either one,” he shared.  

He added that in boxing and in being a Local Chair success is all about having a passion for it. “You can’t half-ass either one, or you are setting yourself up for a disaster.”  

No Stranger to Being the Challenger 

This time, he’s up against reigning champion Mike Pinto. But Wirth is no stranger to the role of being the challenger. Years of advocating for his fellow SMART-TD members have prepared him to stand toe-to-toe with anyone. 

Michigan State Safety and Legislative Director Don Roach, also of Local 1760, has seen Wirth’s grit firsthand and plans to be in Cleveland for the fight. 

“Andrew represents everything this union stands for,” Roach said. “He fights hard for his brothers and sisters on the job, and he does the same in the ring. I’m proud to stand with him, and we’re all hoping he brings the title belt back to the Rougemere crew room!” 

Tough Balance of Trains, and Training 

Balancing railroad life, fatherhood, and training for a title fight is no easy feat. Working on-call while preparing at a championship level requires relentless discipline. But Wirth has never backed down from a challenge. SMART-TD is proud to stand behind him. 

Good luck, Brother Wirth. We’re all in your corner.