Takeru Kobayashi Could Miss Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest

(CANVAS STAFF REPORTS) - The annual Joey Chestnut - Takeru Kobayashi showdown at Nathan's Famous July Fourth Hot Dog Eating Contest may not happen this year, as Kobayashi and Major League Eating have not been able to come to terms on a contract.

After reeling off six consecutive victories at Nathan's from 2001 - 2006, Kobayashi has not been able to defeat Chestnut in recent years.

Chestnut has dominated the event the last three years, winning in 2009 with a record 68 hot dogs and buns. With the field missing Kobayashi, Chestnut may be seen as a easy winner at this year's contest. But that is not the case said George Shea, Chairman of MLE .

"Interestingly it doesn't change anything for Joey," said Shea, citing the strong field of eaters including Pat "Deep Dish" Bertoletti, Bob "Notoriou B.O.B." Shoudt, and "Eater X" Tim Janus.

Though few eaters have been able to top fiffy hot dogs and buns in the competition.

Shea also said that the contract dispute is not a publicity stunt and that he would love to have Kobayashi at the competition.

The organization is famous for their ability to generate attention for their events, as FanHouse noted.

Richard Shea, President of MLE, in a statement said:

"Takeru Kobayashi is currently not scheduled to compete in the 2010 Nathan's Famous July Fourth Hot Dog Eating Contest. In recent weeks, Major League Eating has sought to arrive at an agreement with Kobayashi, but contract negotiations have reached an impasse.

"MLE remains hopeful that Kobayashi, who won the contest from 2001-2006, will decide to compete this July 4th in Coney Island, when Joey Chestnut will seek his fourth consecutive title."