Characters clearly inspired/pay homage to another character/series but still distinct enough to not be a blatant copy

Meruem from Hunter x Hunter inspired by Cell: From his character design to his motivations/personalitu Meruem has a lot in common with cell wishing to challenge and prove his superiority (cell with a tournament Meruem by beating masters as their own game) as well as being born to be an “ultimate being”. Also like Buu Meruem’s character arc started because of meeting a blind character.

Yuto Takeda from The Boxer manwha is based on Makunoichi Ippo from the Hajime No Ippo Manga: Both are Japanese, their fathers are deceased, same fighting style (in fighters), simple minded, and have a desire to find out “what it means to be strong” that they hope to find in the ring. However unlike Ippo Takeda is much less talented struggling to learn even the most basic of techniques, is more confident/direct with his demeanor and perhaps most of all knows when/how to step away from boxing completely.