Joey Chestnut hungry for record ahead of July 4 Nathan's Hot Dog contest

The champ sat in front of 10 hot dogs while wearing a jersey from the Nathan’s Famous Fourth of July Hot Dog Eating Contest.

“Joey Chestnut here,’’ he said. “No. 1 competitive eater in the world, 17-time Fourth of July Hot Dog Eating Champion. Today I’m eating 10 hot dogs as part of Nathan’s 250 hot dog challenge.’’

Chestnut, 42, then went to work as the video on Instagram went into overdrive as he devoured the dogs, topped with mustard and onions.

With a week left before the big contest on July 4, is Chestnut ready to compete?

“A record could be made,’’ Chestnut told USA TODAY Sports by text message this month.

Chestnut holds the record for hot dogs eaten during the 10-minute contest after consuming 76 in 2021.

Briefly, his return to Coney Island in New York this year appeared to be in some doubt.

On April 20, Chestnut pleaded guilty to one count of misdemeanor battery resulting in bodily injury, according to court records. The matter stemmed from Chestnut slapping a man in the face at a bar near Chestnut’s home in Westfield, Indiana, according to records.

He was sentenced to 180 days of probation, but has no travel restrictions, according to Chestnut and his attorney. And Nathan’s and Major League Eating, which runs the contest, will welcome him back.

“This incident does not violate the organization’s code of conduct, as it occurred outside any organizational event or activity and was addressed by local authorities,’’ George Shea, co-founder of Major League Eating said in a statement.

Chestnut also has continued to make promotional appearances, with stops in Knoxville, Tennessee; San Diego, California; Charlotte, North Carolina; and St. Paul, Minnesota.

About six months ago, Chestnut appeared to have lost his paunch and retained his motivation.

“Coming up with a plan to be more fit so I can hit some records,’’ he said at the time.

One week to see if the plan worked.