United States network Fox News today called off a Republican debate next week after front-runner Donald Trump announced he wasn't taking part.

The debate -- being organised in partnership with the Republican Party -- would have been held Monday in Salt Lake City, Utah.

'The Salt Lake City debate is canceled,' said a statement from Fox News' executive vice president of news Michael Clemente.

"I think we've had enough debates," Trump had told the same network earlier.

Already on Friday, the billionaire had told reporters he thought it was time to end the debates.

Twelve Republican debates have been held since August.

Trump already boycotted one such forum held in Iowa in late January, also hosted by Fox News.

"I think we've had enough, how many times can the same people ask you the same questions?" Trump said. "So I was very surprised when I heard that Fox called for a debate, nobody told me about it, and I won't be there, no." AFP