Take any depiction of a boxer prior to the 1930s, and you’re going to see this stance. Palms up, left hand way in front, with the right sometimes being closer to the body. Right now, after so many years of watching boxing fights, this stance seems silly at best.
The jabs you land with that left won’t be nearly as strong, and how on earth are you supposed to cover your head when you are getting the punishment? However, this stance that was described in detail by a British fighter Daniel Mendoza wasn’t as silly as it appears to be.