Yeahhhh, I watched Joe - but, I fast forwarded 80% of it TBH. However, megalo is pretty much ashita no joe with a twist to it, it's comical how similar they are really. Like REALLY. Hajime no ippo also borrowed a lot from joe, but not really in the setting, rather just some moves and what not.

Hey, you should give Grappler Baki a go, for me, it's one of the best animes of all time, if not the best. It is SERIOUSLY intense.