1831 in sports describes the year's events in world sport.

Boxing

Events

• 12 July — having failed to fight him in 1829, Jem Ward finally meets Simon Byrne and wins controversially in the 33rd round. Ward reclaims the English Championship.^[1]

Cricket

Events

• This season sees Kent wicket-keeper Ned Wenman rise to prominence, though initially as a batsman.

England

• Most runs – Ned Wenman 144 @ 16.00 (HS 35)
• Most wickets – William Lillywhite 40 (BB 7–?)

Horse racing

England

• 1,000 Guineas Stakes – Galantine
• 2,000 Guineas Stakes – Riddlesworth
• The Derby – Spaniel^[2]
• The Oaks – Oxygen
• St. Leger Stakes – Chorister

Rowing

Events

• C. Campbell and J. Williams compete for the first English professional sculling championship in London

The Boat Race

• The Oxford and Cambridge Boat Race is not held this year

References