NEW YORK (AP) – Serious eaters are getting ready to scarf their way to glory in New York’s 95th annual July 4 Hot Dog Eating Contest. But a famous contestant will be missing.

Japan’s Takeru Kobayashi has won the contest six times. Major League Eating President Richard Shea claims the former champ’s contract negotiations broke down this year.

Kobayashi was Hot Dog Eating Champ from 2001 to 2006. He lost the past three years to Joey Chestnut of San Jose, Calif.

Chestnut ate his way to victory last year with 68 hot dogs and buns. He’ll be back Sunday at Nathan’s on Brooklyn’s Coney Island to defend his title.
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