Pizza champ downs 45 slices in 10 minutes

NEW YORK, Oct. 13 (UPI) -- The world's hot dog eating champ picked up a new title by winning the pizza eating competition in New York's Times Square.

Joey Chestnut downed 45 slices of pizza in just 10 minutes to become the new world pizza eating champion, the New York Daily News reported Monday.

"I might be on a liquid diet tonight," said Chestnut, 24, of San Jose. Calif. after winning the Famiglia pizza-eating contest Sunday.

Chestnut beat 10 other contenders, including the previous record holder, with a technique that gives new meaning to the expression "fast food," the newspaper said.

He folded slices of pizza quickly and then shoved them into his mouth, appearing not to chew.

Chestnut said his breakfast before Sunday's contest consisted of coffee and a gallon of water to stretch his stomach muscles.

Chestnut consumed 11,700 calories and 450 grams of fat to win $5,000.