Some frank talk on Independence Day

Like two prize fighters at the weigh-in prior to a championship fight hot-dog eating champ Matt Stonie, right,
 sizes up Joey Chestnut, who wants to win back his crown.

IF IT'S JULY FOURTH, that means it's time for fireworks and hot dogs. Lots and lots of hot dogs!

On the Fourth of July, the world’s top competitive eaters will gather at Coney Island for a chance to become a legend. Two all-American Asians will defend their titles of eating the most hot dogs in 10 minutes. Matt Stonie of San Jose, California will meet nine other challengers, including former champion Joey Chestnut, who seeks to regain the crown and still retains the world record of swallowing 69 hot dogs.

On the women's side, Las Vegas' Miki Sudo, who gobbled down 32 hotdogs to take the title last year, will again be challenged by runner-up Sonya Thomas, also an Asian/American. will take on challengers

Will current champions Matt Stonie and Miki Sudo continue in their recently won reigns? Or will the dethroned Joey Chestnut and Sonya Thomas retake their places as best in the world? Cast your vote below for your favorites to take the title of Nathan’s Famous World Champion.

RELATED: Frankly speaking -- Asian Americans excel at eating hot dogs

Miki Sudo at last year's contest.

Monday marks the 44th anniversary of Nathan’s Famous annual hot dog eating championship in Coney Island. The event draws thousands of curious onlookers to the flagship restaurant at the corner of Stillwell and Surf avenues in Brooklyn, N.Y.

Although he upset Chestnut last year, Stonie is the underdog in this year's contest. Odds makers give him a 37 percent chance of retaining the title as top dog. Chestnut, on the other hand, is favored to win this year's contest by 59 percent.

RELATED: Stonie beats Chestnut in eating ribs

If you’re planning to head out to Coney Island to celebrate with some extreme wiener eaters this July 4, here’s a full schedule of the day’s events:

10:00 a.m. – Live from Coney Island
10:45 a.m. – Introduction of Female Contestants
11:00 a.m. – Women’s Contest
12 noon – Main Event
12:30 p.m. – Introduction of Male Contestants
12:40 p.m. – Men’s Contest Begins
12:55 p.m. – Trophy Presentation

Frankly speaking: Asian Americans excel at eating hot dogs; Matt Stonie upsets legendary Joey Chestnut

Watch the entire men's hot dog eating competition

ASIAN AMERICANS did their doggone best to win the men's and women's contests of the annual hot-dog eating contest in New York City on the most American of holidays - July Fourth.

Matt Stonie upset defending champion Joey Chestnut by downing 62 Nathan's hot dogs (with buns); two more than fellow San Jose resident Chestnut.

"We don't just go up there and eat hot dogs. We practice for this. We prepare our bodies," Stonie said. "It was a tough contest. Joey brings it all. I had to push really hard to beat him. But I feel great."

Chestnut had won eight straight years before this year's defeat. Last year, Stonie finished second to Chestnut.

On the women's side, defending champion Miki Sudo of Las Vegas won the women's contest by devouring 38 wieners and buns in 10 minutes. She downed four more hot dogs than last year and for the second year in a row bested former champ Sonya "Black Widow" Thomas of Alexandria, Virginia, who ate a distant 31 sausages.

For the second year in a row, Miki Sudo, right, bested rival Sonya Thomas.