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A challenger carved in sand: Was hapless Begic worst title contender in history?
There are men who climb towards a world title fight through the old honourable route: hardship, hazard and hours of craft honed in sweat-soaked gyms and on bruised undercards.
Then there are the others, those who arrive at the summit of the sport, as if blown there by a clerical error in a high wind. On Saturday night, Alem Begic fell into the latter category.
Every single fighter deserves respect for having the cojones to get in there, of course.
But how Begic managed to book a shot for the vacant WBO super-middleweight title against the gifted Hamzah Sheeraz on a cracking bill in Giza beggars belief.
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It ended, predictably, in a one-sided rout, with the Briton in possession of the crown after he pummelled the hapless German to a brisk defeat inside two rounds.
It was the mismatch of all mismatches. It’s easy to be wise after the event, but a cursory look at Begic shows an unbeaten record with all the moral reassurance of a casino carpet.
His jab lacked authority, and what defence he briefly offered in Egypt seemed to depend largely on leaning backwards with an expression of mild bewilderment.
Every generation brings certain title fights where the outcome appears so inevitable that the promotion resembles less a sporting event than it does a controlled demolition.
This clash had long promised to be one of them, and it delivered. The bookmakers - who traditionally regard optimism as a taxable resource - had Begic at 13/1 before the off.
Thirteen is unlucky for some. Here, it was specifically for those who decided to back a 39-year-old at said odds and hope for a bolt from the blue.
'Folded like a man who remembered he left the oven on'
It was bizarre. Boxing has always retained a touching faith in the improbable, the only trade where a man who looks like a suspended PE teacher can be a world title challenger.
But Begic looked out of his depth. He took his licks in the first round, but when Sheeraz went through the gears, he folded like a man who remembered he left the oven on.
There is no blame for Sheeraz here, near-faultless and worthy of credit for not playing with his food. For me, the blame is with the sanctioning bodies - and Diego Pacheco.
It was the latter's choice to pass on a WBO order in January that put Begic here, shortly after Terence Crawford's retirement following his undisputed win over Canelo Alvarez.
It meant the man from Munich, by virtue of a No. 4 ranking - don't ask the WBO to show their works - got this unlikely gig, for just his second scheduled career twelve-rounder.
Never mind the fact Begic's record was littered with cans he had boxed and beaten in Germany and Austria, seldom venturing beyond the confines of continental Europe.
For conext, Sheeraz's pro debut came in 2017 at the Copper Box Arena on a Billy Joe Saunders title fight undercard. Begic bowed three years prior in a school hall in Srebrenica.
Beyond enthusiasm brought to a talent fight, there was little he could likely offer here. Under the unblinking skies of north-east Africa, his zero almost certainly had to go.
'One of the most absurd title opportunites ever given'
Social media made plenty afterwards about whether Begic is the worst world title challenger in history. There's a strong argument with recency bias that he may well be.
Take that away though, and I have to throw in Eddie Croft. The American, active between 1991 and 2003, is always up there for me in these kinds of conversations.
His 2003 shot at the WBC featherweight title against the brilliant Erik Morales came after three straight stoppage losses, and a record with no victories in the past four years.
It still ranks as one of the most absurd title opportunities ever given, especially when you factor that the Mexican pound-for-pound superstar held a 42-1 record in the ring.
(Mark Robinson/Matchroom Boxing)
'El Terrible' against 'Pretty Terrible'? Not for me to say. Watching the fight back, Croft at least is game - but his best combo on the night appears to just be jab, miss and clinch.
One hopes he - and Begic here too - made suitable bank for their respective efforts. Regarding the German, I am sure I would somehow get over never seeing him fight again.
Hopefully, with his mission accomplished and world title secured, Sheeraz - a rare talent and a great talker - kicks on now. Jaime Munguia in September? Now that would be fire.
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