Herbert Slade (born 1 October, 1851, Kaeo, New Zealand-died 1920), also known as "Māori" Slade, was a New Zealand boxer of Irish and Māori descent, who fought John L Sullivan for the heavyweight championship of the world. This occurred at Madison Square Garden, New York, on 6 August 1883. Sullivan won. Slade may be considered as New Zealand’s first international sports personality.
Given the issues of race in America at the time it was most unusual for a native person to be allowed to fight for the championship. Indeed it was the first such match in America.