Chestnut 'wouldn't be surprised' if hot dog eating contest is canceled

Joey Chestnut may not get the opportunity to defend his Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest title this year.

The competitive eater told TMZ Sports that while "nobody knows" about the state of the annual competition - which is scheduled for July 4 at Coney Island in New York - he "wouldn't be surprised" if it's canceled.

Chestnut also said he'd still be willing to compete if fans aren't allowed to attend.

"Oh, absolutely. I think even if there isn't a huge crowd, I know people are watching it," he said. "I get fan mail every day pretty much, that people tell me 'Hey, I've been watching the contest on TV with my grandparents.' So I know people are still watching.

"It would suck not to do it in front of a huge crowd, but there'd still be people watching and I'd still be able to make people happy, I guess. And, I'd push myself to a ridiculous limit."

Chestnut ate 71 hot dogs and buns during last year's contest to win his 12th title.