21 August — John Morrissey defeats George Thompson in the 11th round at Mare Island, California and claims the Heavyweight Championship of America, which has been vacated by the now-retired Tom Hyer. His claim is not generally recognised at this time because of the prior claim by Yankee Sullivan, who fought Hyer in 1849.[1]
Harry Broome retains the Championship of England but there is no record of any fights involving him in 1852.[2]
27 July — John Sherman makes his final first-class appearance for Manchester v. SheffieldatHyde Park Ground, Sheffield. His career has spanned a record 44 seasons from his debut at Lord's on 20 September 1809 when he played for Beauclerk's XI v. Ladbroke's XI.
3 August — The first Harvard–Yale Regatta is a 2-length win for Harvard in a single eight-oar, two-mile race on Lake Winnipesaukee, New Hampshire. The Yale club initiated this Race, and the next one in 1855, by challenge to the Harvard club.[4]
